Saba – the 'Unspoiled Queen'
Dubbed the 'Unspoiled Queen', Saba (pronounced SAY-ba) has very little
tourism - only about 25,000 visitors a year. Saba is both the smallest
and tallest (rising up to nearly 3,000 feet) of the Netherlands Antilles.
The top of the mountain is crowned by an exotic and protected national
park accessible up a legendary staircase encompassing 1,064 steps. The
island isn't a typical Caribbean powdered-sugar beach destination -
in fact, it has hardly any beaches at all due to the volcanic sides
that rise sharply from the waters edge. Ruggedly steep, Saba is known
for its stunning hiking trails, pristine diving, day spas and awesome
eco-lodges. Saba’s spectacular coral formations, lava tunnels
and structural diversity stem from its volcanic origins. From shallow
patch reefs to deep water seamounts, Saba offers interesting diving
at each depth and for every diver's experience level.
Winter temperatures from January to April 1 average 69°F to 83°F
(21°C-28°C). The rest of the year, temperatures range from 70°F
to 88°F (21°C-31°C). The average monthly temperature is
27°C (80°F), with few degrees difference between summer (June
to August) and winter (December to February). Easterly trade winds and
the mountain create ever changing cloud movements. Because of the difference
in elevation, temperatures are a bit cooler in Windwardside than in
The Bottom and winter evenings often require a light sweater.
Diving in Saba
Saba’s famous pinnacles and seamounts rise dramatically from
the depths to within 85 feet of the surface. It’s common to encounter
schools of tropical fish, jacks, groupers or even members of Saba's
robust shark population. White tips, black tips, reef and bull sharks
are regularly observed cruising these waters. Lucky divers may get to
swim with a humpback whale, manta ray, hammerhead or whale shark. The
small leeward side of the island hosts gentle, medium depth, spur and
groove formations. In 1987, a marine park was established with permanent
moorings, regulations of use and maintenance and a strong conservation
attitude. Saba offers year-round diving with seasonal differences in
water temperature and surface conditions. Winter months bring cooler
water temperatures ranging from 77° to 80° Fahrenheit, whereas
summer months yield a toasty 80° to 85 Fahrenheit.
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
Valid passport is strongly recommended, but tourists may enter with proof
of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate (with raised seal),
naturalization certificate and photo ID. Other required items include
a return ticket, confirmation of hotel reservation, and another form of
picture ID required. Beginning December 31, 2006 the U.S. Department of
State requires that travelers to and from the Caribbean have a valid passport.
No Visas are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens, however it is the
customer's responsibility to ensure his or her own visa requirements,
and no refunds will be awarded for customers denied access for lack of
proper Visa. Saba is a free port, there are no customs.
Immunizations
No vaccines are required to enter Saba.
Culture and Customs
Saba celebrates a Carnival & Saba Summer Festival, which is held
in the 3rd week in July.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access
Saba uses 110-volt AC (60 cycles), so most U.S.-made appliances don't
need transformers or adapters.
Hotels have direct dialing worldwide. Landsradio has phone booths in
The Bottom and Windwardside for calls anywhere in the world.
If considering carrying a laptop or other means of accessing the Internet,
check ahead to make certain your hotel has in-room phone access or what
their policy is on using a phone line. With the introduction of ADSL to
Saba in late 2004, a few hotels can even provide wireless access. Assured
high speed access (well, high speed by Saba standards) is possible Mondays
through Saturday at the island's only internet cafe located near the Windwardside
Post Office: Island Communications Services. ICS also has low cost international
phone access. Some hotels have a computer station for use by guests or
travelers.
Water Quality
The water on Saba is generally safe to drink.
Language & Currency
The official language on Saba is Dutch, but English is widely spoken.
Saba, like the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles, uses the Netherlands
Antilles guilder (NAf), but US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
Time
Saba is on Atlantic Standard Time, 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time
in the United States. Saba does not observe daylight saving time, so when
the United States changes to daylight saving time, clocks in Saba and
the U.S. East Coast will be on the same time.
History, Art, and Culture
Because of the island's rugged terrain, settling was difficult and left
for the hardy and the adventurous. Having been under English, French,
Spanish and Dutch rule for many years, peace came with the Dutch Crown
in 1816. The cultures of the variety of settlers are now uniquely blended
into a hard-working people. The island’s history of farming, fishing
and seamanship accounts for the people’s keen knowledge of their
island’s nature. Many locals are well traveled and well educated;
conversations are easy and interesting. The Saba museums house many artifacts
and photographs which tell the stories of settling this remote island
with its dramatic landscape.
Location and Size
Saba is part of the Netherland Antilles, which also includes the neighboring
islands of St. Maarten and St. Eustatius southeast of the Virgin Islands,
and Bonaire and Curacao 1,000 miles to the south off the coast of Venezuela.
Saba is southwest of St. Maarten. Tiny Saba is often called “The
Rock” because it barely covers 5 square miles.
Population
Approx. 1,500 people