SABA, NETHERLAND ANTILLES

Saba is the smallest special municipality of the Netherlands.  It consists largely of the potentially active volcano called Mount Scenery (elevation 2,910 feet).  The land area is 13 square kilometers (5.0 sq mi.).  As of January 2013, the population was 1,991.  Its towns and major settlements are 'The Bottom' (the capital), Windward side, Hell's Gate and St.Johns.  The waters around Saba were designated as the Saba National Marine Park in 1987 which boasts very good diving.





'THE ROAD' IS VERY STEEP AND WINDY

There is one main road, known as "The Road". Its construction was masterminded by Josephus Lambert Hassell who despite the common opinion of Dutch and Swiss engineers believed that a road could be built. He took a correspondence course in civil engineering and started building the road with a crew of locals in 1938.  Before the road and the commercial docks were built, the only way to get to shore was by means of landing their boats at Ladder Bay and climbing a steep staircase to get on the island.

Saba is home to the Saba University School of Medicine, which was established by American expatriates in coordination with the government of the Netherlands. The school adds over 400 residents when classes are in session, and it is the prime educational attraction. A.M. Edwards Medical Center is the major provider of health care for local residents.

AT THE ART GALLERY

 

GO TO THE TRAIL SHOP BEFORE HIKING MOUNT SCENERY TO BORROW HIKING STICKS





SIGNS ARE IN ENGLISH AND DUTCH







VIEW OF WINDWARD SIDE TOWN FROM THE TOP OF MOUNT SCENERY

 


STEEP DROP FROM THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT SCENERY



VIEW OF THE RUNWAY FROM THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT SCENERY



VIEW OF WINDWARD SIDE TOWN FROM THE HIKE UP OR DOWN MOUNT SCENERY

 

A NEW DRESS FOR SUSAN

 

 



OUR BILL AT A RESTAURANT CAME IN A DUTCH WOODEN CLOG


 

VIEW OF SABA FROM OUR MOORING AT SUNSET



AS WE LEFT SABA, WE CAUGHT ANOTHER MAHI MAHI


Hint for Cruisers:
1- To clear into the country, from the BVIs, you must sail past the commercial dock at Fort Bay where there are special yellow buoys you can use prior to clearing in.   OR, if there is room at the commercial dock, you can dock there temporarily. 

When we went, it was very windy and seas were pretty big so it was difficult picking up the yellow buoy.  Then, launching the dinghy was another challenge because the boat was pitching.  You must dinghy approximately 1/2 miles back to the commercial dock where immigration and customs are.  Definitely, a very wet ride.  Clearing in wasn't a problem but you must dinghy back to your boat then with your big boat, motor past the commercial dock again to the Leeward side of SABA and pick up a mooring buoy.  When you want to get to shore, you must dinghy about 2 miles from your mooring to the commercial dock, then either walk a very steep hill to town or take a taxi.  The anchorage is extremely rolly and uncomfortable and you'll see the same comment in some guides.  It seems like a lot of trouble but visiting the Island in my opinion is well worth it.

2- From the commercial dock, it's a good walk to Ladder Bay.