Never heard of it? You´re far from alone – last year just 5,700 flights – by one of the Caribbean´s lowest arrivals figures – landed on its third smallest island (just five square miles/13 sq. kilometers sitting on an dormant volcano Mount Scenery, with a population of just under 2,000). But those in the know realize that the self-styled "unspoiled queen," part of the Caribbean Netherlands (along with Bonaire and Sint Eustatius, aka Statia) and first settled in the 1640s, is an undersung trove of adventure, natural beauty, and even culture for discerning travelers. Dutch is of course the official language, but so is English, which is widely spoken. And here are a half dozen good reasons why Saba (pronounced “Say-bah”) is swell:
The Bottom
With a population of barely 500, the island’s capital is known for its traditional architecture and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine. You can also check out the Major Osmar R. Simmons Museum, the home of a police officer which provides a snapshot of 20th-century life on the island. On the whole, though, it´s very sleepy and quiet, and for more to see and do, check out:
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Windwardside
Even a bit smaller than The Bottom (just over 400), this charming village is more tourism-oriented, with picturesque streets, shops, inviting restaurants, and many of the island´s hotels, guesthouses, and rental cottages. Check out picturesque landmarks like St. Paul’s Church as well as the Saba Heritage Center, the Harry L. Johnson Museum, located in a 19th-century sea captain’s cottage, with exhibits on Saban history and pre-colonial archaeology.
Ascending the highest point in the Netherlands (2,910 feet) offers stunning panoramic views. There are a pair of trails, both well marked, through woodlands, rain forest, and cloud forest, and they take about 2½ hours to hike round trip (and guided hikes are also available). The tiny village of St. John´s is located on its lower slopes.
Fantastic Diving and Snorkeling
Saba Marine Park surrounds the entire island with vibrant coral reefs, underwater lava flows, and diverse marine life including more than 150 species of fish; giant marine turtles, and sometimes even spotted eagle rays and hammerhead and whale sharks. Sites like the famous Tent Reef and Diamond Reef range from shallow patches to deep underwater seamounts, and offer something for all skill levels. One note: all diving and snorkeling needs to be arranged through outfitters based in The Bottom and Windwardside.
Beaches aren´t Saba´s strong suit, but there are a couple of excellent spots for taking a dip. Secluded Well´s Bay (above), backed by sheer cliffs on the northwestern coast and accessible by road from The Bottom, has a coarse black-sand beach and is also great for snorkeling. And Cove Bay, on the northeastern coast just below the airport, offers a bit more in the way of amenities, including toilets and a restaurant.
Fun Festivals
There are two big annual festivals, both in The Bottom. The Saba Carnival, this year held from July 12 to 24, is includes live music, food, dancing, games, and parades which include energetic music, colorful floats, and troupes wearing colorful costumes.
Another event is Saba Day, celebrated in the Bottom on December 2 with a raft of activities, parades, competitions, and performances (including a big concert drawing artists from the island and elsewhere in Caribbean).
Fyodor Borisov
And Let´s Not Forget the Airport!
The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (with propeller-plane service mostly to/from St. Martin) is distinguished by the world´s shortest commercial airport runway – just 1,312 ft! Flying in and out is a memorable experience, as the airport is flanked by high cliffs and is also itself perched on a cliff that drops into the sea at both ends. It´s celebrated on Saba´s postage stamps, and you can buy a T-shirt that says “I survived the Saba landing!”
For more info, check out SabaTourism.com.
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