Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
Saba
Nicknamed the 'Unspoiled Queen,' Saba is the smallest, yet loftiest of the Netherlands Antilles.
Diversions
Only the smallest vessels call on this tiny island, as Saba does not have a deep-water port capable of handling large cruise ships. However, a few small ships call at Saba by anchoring in Fort Bay and tendering passengers ashore. There is no public transportation, automobile rentals are limited in number, and scooters are not available for rent at all on Saba, making taxis or walking the main modes of transportation. Roads are narrow and steep, which insures that driving is a thrilling experience. Taxis usually meet arrivals and the government sets fares.
Saba has no rivers or streams and the western side of the island is dry and barren with cactus and scrub, while the eastern side has denser vegetation. Rising steeply from the sea, the island hooks rain clouds on her highest peak and, as a result, has a beautiful lush green rainforest with a wide variety of flowering plants in the mountainous interior.
Windwardside, the island’s largest village, has narrow curving streets lined with charming cottages and picturesque flowering gardens. Surrounded by flowers, the Saba Museum occupies a 19th century Dutch sea captain’s cottage and displays old family heirlooms and a variety of maritime memorabilia.
Shopping
A few shops in Windwardside sell postcards and souvenirs as well as Saban Lace and Saba Spice, the island’s major products.
Beaches
Saba is not the place to go to find perfect sandy beaches. Well's Bay on the northwestern side of the island has a small, rocky beach and is the main swimming spot. Snorkelers will enjoy the marked underwater trail at Well's Bay and adjacent Torrens Point.
Divers are drawn to Saba for the good reef diving along the island’s calmer western side between Tent Bay and Diamond Rock.
Comprehensive Guide to Saba: The Saba Guide offers plenty of great tips for visitors.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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