Tucked just 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten lies Saba—an emerald-green dot in the Caribbean Sea that quietly steals the hearts of those who find it. This gumdrop-shaped island, just five square miles in size, offers something few tropical destinations can: serenity, authenticity, and a sense of discovery that feels entirely your own.
Untamed Beauty Above and Below
Saba’s landscape is a love letter to untouched nature. Verdant rainforest-cloaked peaks rise skyward, their slopes dotted with red-roofed cottages and storybook villages. The views are cinematic—clouds rolling over Mount Scenery, winding trails through ancient forests, and the ever-present whisper of the sea below.
Beneath the surface lies a diver’s dream. Saba’s protected marine park offers world-renowned diving, where towering underwater pinnacles and vibrant coral reefs teem with life. Fumaroles—underwater vents—release warm, nutrient-rich water that nourishes an astonishing variety of marine species. It’s a scene of vivid colour and motion, drawing divers from across the globe to experience one of the Caribbean’s richest marine environments.
Within a mere five square miles of undulating valleys and cloud-topped peaks, Saba is immersed in deep historical roots and off the grid remoteness, yet stays quite connected to the necessities of modern life. The Saban citizenry, many of whom are descended from the original 17th-century settlers, are charming and welcoming. This peaceful, lyrical place replenishes the soul and inspires all who visit here either for a day or forever.
A Deeply Rooted Island with Open Arms
Although small in size, Saba delivers a unique world-class respite from life’s hectic pace. Precious few places on earth provide such a rich history, inspiring architectural and natural beauty enriched by a warm and welcoming hospitality, laid-back atmosphere, and authentic gentleness. Saba is a place that never leaves your heart.
Perhaps the best souvenir from Saba is the deep connection visitors often develop with the island, its people and the serene, relaxed flow of daily life. This is a very special place that beckons visitors to return and settle into an unsurpassed tropical paradise.
How to get to Saba from St. Maarten?
You can charter a plane, or take one of the four daily flights offered by Winair. The actual flight will take about 12 minutes. There are also two ferry services that, depending on weather and sea conditions, will take about 90 minutes. The Edge leaves from the Simpson Bay Resort on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the Makana Ferry leaves from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg and runs every day except Wednesdays and Fridays. Remember to take your passport!
Accommodation
With cottages, villas, and hotels, there is something to suit everyone’s pocket. The evenings can get a bit cool, so bring something with long sleeves with you. Electric outlets take US plugs and are 110V. Check on the Saba Tourism website to find your fit in accommodation.
Money Matters
Saba uses the US Dollar as legal tender and larger places will accept foreign credit cards. There is one ATM machine in Windwardside at the RBC bank. WIB may still have an ATM machine installed at The Bottom (the WIB bank on Saba is being taken over by another at the time of this writing.) We will update the information accordingly once it has been finalized.
Places to Eat
From street food and snack bars in Fort Bay Harbor, to the many restaurants and cafés in Windwardside, you will have a wonderful time trying to decide which one to have lunch or dinner at. Some are more expensive, while others are very reasonably priced. Remember to have cash with you for the smaller places, as they don’t take cards.
Departure Tax
Make sure you have some cash on you to pay the departure tax from Saba of $15. They only take cash and there are no ATM’s either at the port or at the airport. There is a departure tax from St. Maarten of $20, which some operators add into the ticket price.
Enjoy a peaceful stay at this jewel of an island.