Saba Travel Guide

Tiny Saba, also known as "The Rock" or "The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean" is rugged and mountainous yet lush and verdant. Mt. Scenery juts nearly 3,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, is almost always capped with misty cloud cover and serves as the backdrop for all things on Saba. A sister island to nearby St. Maarten, Saba is the smallest of the Netherlands Antilles measuring 5 square miles and can be compared to no other island in the Caribbean for its precipices and virgin diving. The coral reefs are considered precious to Saban's and The Saba Marine Park sees to it that they are protected. The airstrip is also one like no other - it's one of the shortest in the entire Caribbean and getting anywhere from it, with its hairpin twists and turns, can be a bit unnerving.

The barely 1,600 plus residents of Saba, mostly of African and Welsh lineage, reside in one of the four small towns which dot the side of Mt. Scenery. Simple white cottages with red tile roofs and large porches permeate the villages, and all offer a few inns and hotels, some condo clusters and cottages to rent. Although, Saba is only a short 15-minute flight from St. Maarten, it's rough terrain and lack of beaches has insulated it from the rush of heavy tourism.

Saba appeals mainly to scuba divers, hikers and naturalists in search of peace and tranquility. Take a tour of the island by taxi (believe me you won't want to drive), hike up Mount Scenery if you dare, go diving or snorkeling or just sit in the sun and enjoy the refreshing island breezes. You may also want to check out the Breadfruit Art Gallery which exhibits local artist's work with many works for sale. In late July, enjoy Saba's Carnival festival, a week long celebration of dancing, music, parades and competitions, offering visitors a taste of Saban culture, art and flair. It certainly is the most festive time of year when this sleepy little island seems to come alive.