"Saba: The Unspoiled Queen" Top 5 Page for this destination Saba by kucha

Saba Travel Guide: 58 reviews and 114 photos

A Scuba Paradise Without Beaches!

If you're looking for a unique experience on an island where 50 tourists is a busy week, hiking and relaxing are considered things to do and there's world class diving, read on!

Saba proudly declares itself "The Unspoiled Queen" referring to her unspoiled nature and inhabitants. The best way to describe this unique island with only 1,400 people is according to what it does NOT have: Saba has no crime, no high rises, no traffic or traffic lights, no pesty insects, no crowds, no fast food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships and -- most of all -- no beaches!

A Rich History

A Shot from the Plane

This dormant volcano was attractive to travelers from long ago! Indeed, Christopher Columbus sighted her in 1493; the Spaniards ruled her for 150 years and the British, French and Dutch played tug-of-war with her from the 17th century until Holland finally took possession of her in 1816.

A tiny, isolated island forming the inner arch of the Lesser Antilles, Saba is one of the northern-most islands formed five million years ago by tips of volcanoes, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean.

European colonists aside, receiving more than 100 cm of annual rainfall, Arawak and Carib Indians were lured to Saba as a source for fresh water and rich volcanic soil. An archeological team is now working on a site known as Plum Site. This archeological site is significant as it proves occupation on Saba during "preceramic times" or 3300 BP! According to the archeologists, Plum Site is the oldest site known in the Lesser Antilles and therefore very significant!

The Main Draw: Diving in the Marine Park

In the Marine Park

In 1987, a marine park was established with permanent moorings, regulations of use and maintenance and a strong conservation attitude. At that time there were still few divers visiting Saba. The result is controlled diver impact and undamaged reef life, a powerful appreciation by locals and divers together of this pristine environment.

Saba's Marine Park has received several honors and remains the only park of its kind in the worlds to be completely self-sufficient in its operation. The nearshore environs offer some very interesting and extremely varied diving, while the offshore dives will leave you absolutely speechless.

The park is situated around the entire island. Keeping in mind that Saba is a dormant volcano that rises steeply from the ocean, divers will see depths of a 1000 feet and over only half a mile from shore!

And speaking of depths, for those concerned about safety, a six-man hyperbaric facility is located at Saba's Fort Bay Harbor only 10-15 minutes from most dive sites.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Affordable and Not Touristy At All
Cons:A Little Hard to Reach, Especially for those who Fear Little Planes!

Intro Updated Jul 14, 2006
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Reviews (22)

Excellent Customer Service and Good Location! - Saba

Excellent Customer Service and Good... Hotels (4)

Juliana's is located in Windwardside, the center of island life; with just a few minutes walk from Saba's finest... more travel advice

Flying In is Not for The Faint of Heart Warnings and Dangers (1)

The airpot is perched on the edge of a mountain (as is also the case in other Caribbean islands) and the runway length... more travel advice

Scuba Diving Things to Do (7)

Saba's beauty extends below the waterline into an exciting marine environment rich in corals and active with fish life.... more travel advice

Dive Tent Bay Things to Do (7)

Tent Bay offers spectacular diving at Tent Reef Deep, a small but beautiful reef! Dives at the vertical Tent Reef Wall... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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brewjohnson Dec 10, 2008 at 3:56 PM

Excellent info. I personally love the Swinging Door. How many times have you been to Saba? You've shared a lot of great info.
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steedappeal Aug 27, 2006 at 6:29 PM

Fantastic pictures and excellent advice about one of theworld's most beautiful islands. Paradise found!
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animalvr Jul 31, 2006 at 5:14 PM

I LOVE the moray eel photo!! I know that they are not really dangerous to people, but this photo makes me a little afraid!