Top Things to do in Saba
What to do and see in Saba: The Best Places and Tips
Those looking for the typical Caribbean tourist experience - drinking, gambling, beaches - will want to stick to next-door neighbor St. Maarten. But for a remote escape known for ecotourism, including hikes, climbs and spectacular dives, Saba delivers. The smallest island (five square miles) in the Netherlands Antilles, Saba is primarily a dormant volcano covered in rain forest. A single road (aptly named "The Road") takes visitors to quaint villages, where you can purchase the traditional Saba lace.
Restaurants in Saba
1. Mount Scenery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
At 3,000 feet, Mount Scenery is the highest point on the mountainous island of Saba and can be reached via a difficult hike through the rainforest.
Reviewed By DocTurk - Saint Joseph, Michigan
I had heard stories that this was a very difficult hike, and was worried that it would be so hard that it wasn't fun. Not to worry. It takes a bit of exertion and quite a few steps, but the scenery and the anticipation more than make up for it. We took several breaks, walked slowly, and still made it up and down (from the trail shop in Windwardside) in about 3 hours. There were clouds at the peak when we got there, which is often the case, but there are plenty of great views on the way. I am NOT a flora/fauna type of person, but the plant life was incredible. The Jurassic Park comparisons are apt. Don't worry that it's a tad tough, get up and do it. Bring water!
2. Windwardside
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By tyedye33 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you are staying in Saba and want to be near the bars and restaurants this is the area in. There are some phenomenal places to eat and drink with excellent views of the island and the ocean.
3. Dutch Museum Saba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By snorkeler-6 - Pa.
We enjoyed a brief stop touring the museum. The curator/gentleman whose family heirlooms are displayed has put forth much effort to display an impressive collection of artifacts. He was eager to share his knowledge with us.
4. Saba National Marine Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
The official location on the island where visitors can anchor their yachts and snorkel for a small fee.
Reviewed By MikeJennyQ - Onalaska, Wisconsin
Great diving on lee side. Inscludes unique deep pinnacles. A lot of turtles sharks acotpus and fish. Not many lion fish they told us the grouper and eels seem to be eating them. The hiking trails on island are amazing and no easy task I believe are part of the parks
5. Ladder Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By MikeJennyQ - Onalaska, Wisconsin
Unbelievable everything at one pony came up these steps. Several hundred steps up the cliff to small building customs house that was the original only way only things came on island. Great dive reefs in front of it that give nice views by boat.
6. Harry L. Johnson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Whinny2 - Milwaukee, WI
This is a charming little museum about the history of Saba and Saba's early inhabitants. It is housed in a cottage that lets you see how the inhabitants of Saba lived. I enjoyed getting a feel for the strength of the early inhabitants of this tiny island. There were lots of photos, interesting furniture, kitchen items, curtains of Saba lace, and personal artifacts. Thanks and kudos to the Sabans who had the foresight to preserve such an interesting part of their heritage.
7. The Bottom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By tylerm916 - Knoxville, Tennessee
What a beautiful unique little island. Very quiet, remote and relaxing. This island almost has a Jurassic Park kind of feel to it and is defiantly for adventure seekers and looking for a unique paradise out of the norm. The only 2 complaints I have is there are no Beaches at all on the island and the ferry or plane ride is quite a hectic trip. A few things to keep in mind: 1. The ferry ride over to the island is beyond extremely rough; if you even get the slightest amount of motion sickness you are in for a rude awakening. I cannot stress enough TAKE multiple motion sickness pills before you go and when you return. We had so many people getting sick on the ferry ride over that they actually refused to get back on the ferry for the return trip because they didn't want you get sick again, and a few actually bought plane tickets to go back to St. Maarten to avoid the ferry. However, the airport is almost just as scary. 2. Everything, including the roads, are on the sides of 1000+ foot cliffs, so if you are afraid of heights you really might want to reconsider. 3. There is a decent amount of steep hiking involved, so make sure you are prepared and have the physical ability to hike. Aside from all of that, it is a very very beautiful and unique place with a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Yes you need your passport to enter.
8. Tide Pools at Flat Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By JSalomonCuracao - Curacao
One of the shorter hikes in Saba is the walk, partially climb, to the Tide Pools at Flatpoint, Its one of the few hikes that doesn’t take you through one of the different types of forest on the island, this area is at the coast of the island The tide pools are small enclosures between cliffs and rocks which are filled with seawater, because of the water being completely clear it gives a spectacular view of the marine life including different types of sea urchins, little colorful fish and some sea flora. You also have dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea and the northeast side of the island. When we visited the area the sea was quit calm but for a couple of months a year there is a ripcurrent warning, due to the fact that the incoming waves could be very dangerous, and able to drag hikers into the sea, resulting in possible fatal injuries.
9. Tent Reef Wall
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
This dive site, marked by lava and sand flowing down a ledge, is home to sea turtles and a variety of sponges.
Reviewed By MurTheExplorer - Edmonton, Canada
Did this dive twice in 10 days. The wall is exploding with color, tons of coral, many sponges, and an abundance of wildlife. There are a few coral covered boulders at the southish end of the dive that are very interesting. Highlight of this dive was watching a couple of hermit crabs battling for territory.
10. Cove Bay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By cannucker - Toronto, Canada
Cove Bay is not why you should go to Saba...spending the afternoon here is not really an adequate replacement for a day at a real beach. Perhaps we found it a little disappointing because we were there at low tide. The water in the protected area was quite shallow and, at one spot, there were a few small pieces of broken glass.
Note that there ARE refreshments (food, soft drinks, and alcohol) available very close by at the airport.
The tidal pools are about a 2 minute walk from here and I would lump them in with this attraction. (They were also underwhelming...again perhaps bc it was low tide?)
All that said, the hike to here from Windwardside along the Spring Bay trail was spectacular and if I came back to Saba, I would consider doing it again and then relax at the airport lounge with a refreshing beer...and perhaps head down to the "beach" afterwards to read a book and chill....as long as the noisy kids I endured the first time weren't there!
But again, you come to Saba for the diving, hiking, or peaceful quiet in the Mountains...not for this
