Favorite Places - Saba, Dutch West Indies

The smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Saba (pronounced "sayba") is a rocky volcanic island with a single road, lush mountain forests, and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, making this tiny spot in the Caribbean a major mecca for eco-tourism vacations and earning it the moniker "The Unspoiled Queen."

 

Location: In the Caribbean sea, between St. Maarten and St. Eustatius Size: 5 square miles/13 square kilometers
Capital: The Bottom
Language: English, Dutch
Religions: Primarily Catholic, other Christian
Currency: U.S. dollar.
Area Code: 599
Tipping: 10-15% service charge added to hotel bill; otherwise tip similarly
Weather: Average summer temp 80F. Cooler on winter evenings and at higher elevations.

Saba History and Culture

Sabans are a hardy people with a love of conservation, a legacy of settling a rough island with few resources. The island was ruled by the English, Spanish and French before the Dutch took over in 1816. Despite its Dutch origins, English is the primary language on Saba. The Harry L. Johnson Museum in Windwardside offers the best perspective on island history, including the pre-Colombian residents who left a variety of artifacts now found in the museum collection.

Saba Activities and Attractions

Hiking and diving are the main activities on Saba, from scaling the heights of Mount Scenery -- a dormant volcano that's the highest point in the Netherlands -- to exploring offshore reefs, walls, and unique pinnacles. The Saba Conservation Foundation maintains many hiking trails and publishes climbing guides. Divers can choose from three outfitters: Dive Saba, Saba Divers, and the Saba Deep Dive Center. Birding also is a major attraction on Saba, home to the rare red-billed tropicbird.

Saba Beaches

There's only one real beach on Saba, at Well's Bay, which also is the island's only harbor. Needless to say, this rocky and volcanic strip of sand --w hich often comes and goes with the tides -- is not the reason you come to Saba, although there is good snorkeling offshore. On the other hand, the Saba National Marine Park, which circles the entire island, has been called one of the best places in the world to dive.