Saba Holidays – Tours & Adventures Travel Guide
PureTravel Says
Saba features stunning natural hilly and volcanic landscapes where visitors can uncover a rich history and fascinating culture. Discover the adventure and activities on offer and marvel at the abundance of wildlife.
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Saba History and Culture
Saba was until 10 October 2010 part of Netherlands Antilles which was dissolved. The Netherlands Antilles was made up of five countries; Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius (which are now special municipalities of the Netherlands) and Curacao and Sint Maarten (which are now constituent countries of the Netherlands).
The Netherlands Antilles was originally discovered and settled by the Spanish in the 15th Century. By the 17th Century, the Dutch had conquered these islands and made them their military bases and more important the trading center for the slave trades in the West Indies. With the abolishment of slavery in 1863, these islands declined in importance. It was not until the 20th century that these islands began to flourish again by serving as oil refineries centers for Venezuela. It is also lately that tourism has played a greater role in the economic growth of these islands.
Due to the colonization by the Dutch, the cultures of these islands are largely influenced by the Dutch way of life. In addition, these traditions are often infused with a local flavor making them a unique potpourri of culture for each respective island. These cultural diversities are reflected in the festive events that display the colorful parades, the vibrant music like the Calypso and Pan Music as well as the traditional cuisines of the island.
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Saba Holiday Highlights
The island of Saba differs tremendously from the island of Bonaire and Curacao in the sense that it does not cater to mass tourism. Saba is instead more inclined towards eco tourism and better known as a laid-back escape destination.
Mt Scenery located in the Saba National Land Park offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean. Nature lovers will also enjoy Ladder Bay, which offers some great hiking trails and views. Visitors interested in the history of the Saba Island should visit the Harry L. Johnson Museum. Those interested in the beauty, which lies under the water off Saba’s coast, can visit the Saba National Marine Park.
Notable sites of interest on Saba include:
- Fort Bay
- The Bottom
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When To Go
Because the Hurricane Season runs from July until October travellers should ideally visit around November to early December and from May to June.
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Top Tips
The real charm of Saba lies in its people and you cannot savor the true essence of the Caribbean without getting to know the people. You need to join in and mix with the local population in order to get a feel of the warmth and character of the local populace.
Try eating at the local food stalls. Not only is the food cheaper but you’ll also get the authentic taste of the local fare and not just a watered down version! In addition, you get to mingle around and ask what is what.
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Classic Itineraries
If you only have pne day in Saba arrange with the local dive shops for a two tanks half-day dive. Head out to the reefs and enjoy the splendor of the underwater world. Have lunch at Windwardside and immerse yourself with the local populace. If you still have the strength then try out the Sandy Cruz trail towards the later part of the day. Three Days - Select a hotel in Windwardside, tour the town on the first day, and then take a hike to Mount Scenery. On the second day and third day, go scuba diving around the reefs and around the sunken pinnacles. Just relax in the afternoon and enjoy the cool breeze of the Caribbean wind. In the evening try out the local fare at the numerous restaurants on the island.
