From 5 minutes to 5 hours

Hit "The Road" (we only have one) and discover Saba out of the water. Yes, you’ll notice everyone that passes waves; wave back!  It’s part of the local charm.  Take time to talk to the locals and shop keepers--some of their families date back to the early 1600’s.  Share a few moments with a friendly Saban and learn facts and tidbits you won’t find in any brochure.  Use your manners and ask permission to take a photo.  Most love to oblige, especially if you promise to send them a copy.  There are 14 official marked trails on the island and that doesn't consider the wonderfully scenic walks you can take on any road.  I've outlined some of my personal favorites -- whether you have all week or just part of a day you can enjoy the unspoiled people and nature of Saba.  

Short & Sweet 

Museum Hike  I suggest you take your time at the Trail Shop, sip a latte and watch Saba 1937, a video that gives you a great sense of what the island was like prior to electricity and an airport.  After your coffee kicks in, head down Saba’s newest trail which winds its way through breadfruit and banana trees to The Saba Museum.  A stone footpath takes you past sweet cottages and the Anglican Church bringing you out to Lambee's Place.  Browse a shop, view local work at the The Peanut Gallery, find out how "The Road That Couldn’t Be Built"...was accomplished or have a great lunch at Willem's My Kitchen restaurant located at Lambee's Place.

Booby Hill  Ask anyone where Booby Hill is... you'll probably find it's minutes from your hotel.  Be sure to turn around and look behind you, I think the walk up the hill has some of the best views of Windwardside and English Quarter.  Cool breezes and ocean views welcome you to this residential area.  A few more steps and you'll be at the door of Jo Bean's Glass Studio and the entrance to El Momo Cottages.  Watch her make beads, jewelry and fish from melting glass or join the fun.  Jo offers my clients special prices for full or half day classes and you get to keep all you make (learn fast!).  On the way back down put a little pep in your step with a free sampling of Saba Spice from Peggy's Boutique.

Split your day *

Maskerhorn  If you're staying in Windwardside and want to end your day with a late afternoon hike, head up the hill.  I've never encountered another hiker while on this trail. Most people pass over this branch of Mt. Scenery heading to the top.  15 minutes from The Trail Shop this trek with root footholds is raw and secluded.  The cliff at the top is the perfect place to reflect or share a romantic moment.

Sulfur Mine  Incredible winds hit you as you peer down on Green Island.  The cries of Red-Billed Tropicbirds feeding their young in the cliffs make for a different Saba setting.  Bring your flashlight to get the true colors of the purple and green amethyst that cover the walls.  This hike can be done as an afternoon quickie or your first stop of a three part circumnavigation of Saba connecting you to All Too Far and Sandy Cruz.  The Saba Conservation Foundation has reworked the hillside to make finding this interesting hike easier than ever.

Make A Day Of It

Sandy Cruz  My absolute favorite!  Carpet-like grass covers the trail as you wind 'round the uninhabited half of the island. Enjoy the views of neighboring islands or just chill under the canopy of air ferns, blooming bromeliads and hundreds of elephant ears.  Try the raspberries, mango's and papaya that grow along the path, but don't fill up.  I always reward myself after this one with a ice cold drink and the Caribbean Chicken Salad at King's Crown where they'll also let you jump in the pool. And for those with plenty of energy, carry on...just past Queen's Gardens Hotel you can begin the Bottom Mountain Hill Trail, completing a loop back to Windwardside.  Here you will go past the Rainforest Restaurant at The Ecolodge so it's another lunch/cool out option--about 2 hours if you stop at Queen's Gardens, add another 90-120 minutes if you do the loop.

Mt. Scenery  Climb the highest peak in the Dutch Queendom.  If you're into a good workout, this is a natural Stairmaster but with great views and cool breezes.  Spot your hotel from the many vistas or get a birds-eye view of the world's smallest international airport.  In order to collect your official certification of completion from the Tourist Board, be sure to read the plaque at the top with the origins of Saba's name. In 2003: two new scenic trails were added at the top.  Feel like a true adventurer as you duck through the mahogany trees and enter the true cloud forest; climb the navigation marker with the aid of a heavy rope and peer over the north face to the famous Saba airport.  Canadian trail workers continue to make improvements to Saba's already well-marked trail system.  Can be a bit muddy but well worth it!  I recommend sneakers and a walking stick (pick up at Trail Shop or at your hotel the afternoon prior).  On the way down, stop and reward yourself at the Rainforest Restaurant @ The Ecolodge.  The island's best salad (from their organic garden!) is a great choice so you don't spoil your appetite for dinner.  They also serve great pannini-style sandwiches.

* These are hikes that can be done on a dive day if you're well hydrated. Click here to read more about diving and hiking on Saba.  

 

 

Talk to me!   

to better service you, I now have established contact hours:

 

Monday thru Friday

  Pacific Time Eastern Time

6 a.m. to 8 a.m. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

10 a.m. to noon 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

at other times, weekends, holidays, simply call 1-800-883-SABA and please leave a detailed message including:
your name; contact number; best time to reach you; specific message (gateway city, window of travel, etc.)


also:  divesaba@comcast.net


 

 

 

 

 

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