Saba and Statia: The Tiny Dutch Islands Where the Caribbean Still Feels Wild

Most Caribbean travelers flock to the same overcrowded resorts, artificial beaches, and cruise ship ports. But tucked away in the northeastern Caribbean Sea lie two volcanic specks that time forgot—Saba and Sint Eustatius (Statia)—where the Caribbean still feels genuinely wild, authentically local, and refreshingly untouched.

These Dutch special municipalities offer something increasingly rare: adventure without crowds, nature without development, and culture without commercialization. Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands, where English is the first language and the US dollar is the currency, making it surprisingly accessible despite feeling worlds away from typical tourist traps.

If you're exhausted by Instagram-perfect but soulless resorts, craving authentic island culture, or seeking adventures that actually challenge you, Saba and Statia deliver experiences you won't find anywhere else in the Caribbean. Here's everything you need to know about these extraordinary islands where wild still means something.

Table of Contents

• Why Saba and Statia Are Different From Every Other Caribbean Island
• Getting There: The Adventure Begins Before You Arrive
• Saba: The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean
• World-Class Diving in Pristine Waters
• Hiking Mount Scenery and Beyond
• Sint Eustatius (Statia): The Historical Gem
• Where to Stay on Both Islands
• Practical Information for Your Trip
• Best Time to Visit and What to Pack

Why Saba and Statia Are Different From Every Other Caribbean Island

Forget everything you think you know about Caribbean travel. These islands deliberately chose a different path.

Saba has no crime, no high rises, no traffic lights, no crowds, no fast-food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. The island also has no beaches. Yes, you read that correctly—and it's precisely what makes Saba magical.

Sint Eustatius shares this commitment to authenticity. Sint Eustatius (commonly known as Statia) offers intriguing historical sites and unspoiled nature, creating an experience focused on substance over superficial beach lounging.

Both islands measure their tourism success not by visitor numbers but by environmental preservation and cultural authenticity. Eco tourism is the standard on Saba, with 'Leave no trace, only footprints' as their slogan. This commitment extends to every aspect of island life—from protected marine parks to meticulously maintained hiking trails.

What you get instead of beaches and resorts: World-class wall diving with 100+ foot visibility, volcanic hiking through cloud forests, villages that look like they're from a storybook, genuine local culture, and the satisfaction of discovering places few people know exist.

Saba's footprint is a mere five square miles, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up in pristine nature, a relaxed small-town vibe, and super-friendly locals. The population of Saba was 2,158 on January 1, 2025, meaning you'll experience island life as locals actually live it.

The Psychology of Choosing Undiscovered Islands

Choosing Saba and Statia over St. Barts or Barbados says something about who you are as a traveler. You're someone who values substance over status, experience over amenities, and authenticity over Instagram likes.

These islands appeal to travelers experiencing what psychologists call "destination fatigue"—exhaustion from over-touristed places that feel increasingly homogeneous. The antidote isn't another resort; it's rediscovering what drew humans to islands in the first place: remoteness, beauty, and the thrill of genuine exploration.

Visiting these islands requires intentionality. You can't accidentally end up here. That barrier to entry—requiring research, planning, and genuine interest—filters visitors naturally, creating a community of like-minded adventurers rather than passive tourists.

Getting There: The Adventure Begins Before You Arrive

Part of what keeps these islands wild is that getting here requires commitment. There are no direct international flights, no massive cruise terminals, no easy options—and that's entirely the point.

Flying to Saba: The World's Shortest Commercial Runway

Winair makes four or more daily flights to Saba to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport from St. Maarten. The runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is only 400m in length and reputed to be the shortest commercial airstrip in the world.

The approach is genuinely thrilling. You'll get the real sense of landing on an aircraft carrier as you'll see the waters of the Cove Bay to the left and the Caribbean sea to the right of the runway. Pilots must be specially certified to land here, and only small Twin Otter aircraft (16 passengers maximum) can attempt it.

Ferry Options: A Scenic Alternative

Saba is accessible via two ferries: The Edge and the Makana. The Edge travels from Simpson Bay, St Maarten, while the Makana departs from Philipsburg, St Maarten. The Makana also connects to Statia.

Ferry journeys take approximately 90 minutes and provide spectacular views of the volcanic islands rising from the sea. Weather conditions can affect schedules, so build flexibility into your plans.

Pro tip: Book flights or ferries as early as possible during peak season (December-April) as capacity is extremely limited. If you're traveling during Carnival (the last Monday in July), Saba Day (the first Friday in December) and the late-year holidays, book months in advance as everything fills up.

Getting to Sint Eustatius

Reaching Sint Eustatius usually starts with a flight to St. Maarten, before taking a smaller regional aircraft to F.D. Roosevelt Airport in Sint Eustatius. Winair also services Statia with regular flights from St. Maarten, and the Makana Ferry provides water transport.

Saba: The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean

The moment you step onto Saba, you enter another world. Saba is also referred to as the unspoiled queen, as well as 'the Costa Rica of the Caribbean', and the comparison is apt—this is eco-adventure territory disguised as a Caribbean island.

The Villages: Storybook Architecture and Red Roofs

Saba has four main villages: The Bottom (Saba's capital), Windwardside, St. John's and Zion's Hill (aka Hell's Gate). All are well kept and bristling with old Caribbean charm. Gingerbread houses with immaculate gardens, and clean and safe streets await your exploration.

Every house on Saba requires a red roof—every house requires a red roof since the island is so small, this was how, in the earlier days, pilots flying over the island could see its inhabited. This creates a visual cohesion that's both charming and deeply practical.

Windwardside serves as the tourism hub with most restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The village perches on the mountainside with spectacular ocean views and serves as the starting point for most hiking trails.

The Bottom (from the Dutch "botte," meaning bowl, referring to its valley location) is the capital and home to Saba University School of Medicine, where medical students and faculty make up almost a quarter of the island's entire population. This international student presence adds unexpected energy and diversity to the tiny island.

The Road: Saba's Engineering Marvel

Saba has only one main road, called: The Road. Saba sits atop a volcano, which means plenty of hair-raising twists and turns and peaks (the highest point measures 1800ft / 550m above sea level) and valleys on "The Road".

Engineering experts once declared a road on Saba impossible. A local Saban named Lambee Hassell took a correspondence course in engineering and proved them wrong, hand-building the road that now connects all four villages. The Road is itself a tourist attraction—a testament to human determination and ingenuity.

Driving tips: You can rent a car, but hiring a taxi or driver might be best. The hairpin turns, steep grades, and lack of guardrails in some sections make driving here genuinely challenging. Many visitors opt for taxis or simply walk between nearby villages.

World-Class Diving in Pristine Waters

If you only know one thing about Saba, it should be this: the diving here ranks among the absolute best in the Caribbean. SCUBA Diving is the top attraction of Saba. The Saba Marine Park protects 30 dives sites around the island of Saba. Saba boasts some of the best diving in the Caribbean with unique structure to go along with a healthy reef.

Why Saba's Diving Is Extraordinary

Volcanic pinnacles create underwater architecture unlike anywhere else. Underwater structures and seamounts offer amazing views, complemented by shallow patch reefs, with a mix of dives ranging from exhilarating drifts over "bottomless" drop-offs to mellow dives on sites full of juvenile fish and interesting invertebrates.

Water temperature varies between 77º-84ºF. Visibility ranges from a minimum of 60ft to virtually unlimited. Swells and heavy rainfall may influence visibility, but typically it clears again very quickly. That "virtually unlimited" visibility isn't hyperbole—100+ foot visibility is common, creating the sensation of flying through blue space.

Must-Dive Sites

Man O' War Shoals: A particularly loved site is "Man O' War Shoals" with two towering pinnacles and a swim-through. They do not exceed depths of 25m (80ft), allowing for more bottom time. Schools of Black-durgons and Barracudas swarm around the mooring lines while Black-tip sharks merge into the blue.

Diamond Rock: "Diamond Rock" bursts with pinnacles, swim-throughs, caverns and tunnels. Yes, that's a lot to see in one dive site! This site offers complexity that keeps experienced divers engaged through multiple dives.

Ladder Labyrinth: This area has natural labyrinths and groove formations created by volcanic lava flow. Visitors can see nurse sharks, sea turtles, eels and tarpon. With healthy coral formations and surrounding seagrass, marine life is abundant.

Tent Reef: Perfect for night dives, Tent Reef is a favourite site for night dives with frequent octopus, sleeping turtles and Spiny lobster sightings.

Diving Logistics

Shore diving is virtually impossible due to the steep coastal zone. Therefore, all diving is done safely from a boat with one of Saba's licensed dive centres. There are approximately 30 dive sites, mostly found in the waters near The Bottom. The two major operators on Saba are Sea Saba and Explorer Venture Fleet.

Every dive you contribute US$ 3 to the marine park. These fees contribute to the maintenance of all the parks facilities and its equipment. This small fee supports one of the most successfully managed marine parks in the Caribbean—your dollars directly fund conservation.

For non-divers: If you prefer snorkeling you can book a snorkeling trip with Sea Saba. While shore access is limited, guided snorkel trips provide access to pristine reefs.

Hiking Mount Scenery and Beyond

Saba offers some of the Caribbean's most spectacular and challenging hiking. There are nearly 20 hiking trails on Saba, from easy and short paths to long and strenuous routes.

Mount Scenery: The Kingdom's Highest Peak

The lush trail rewards those willing to work with beautiful views from the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands Kingdom at 877m (2877ft). This makes it taller than any point in the entire Netherlands, including the European territory.

The climb involves 1,064 steps through dramatically changing ecosystems. The steps lead through the rainforest with giant Elephant ears, Tree ferns, Mountain palms, and a variety of Heliconias. No guarantee of a view at the top as it is frequently in the clouds. Two sidetracks near the top allow entry into the magical atmosphere of the cloud forest with its large Mountain Mahogany trees and hanging mosses.

Timing matters: Schedule your trip up Mt. Scenery in the morning before your dive, NOT in the afternoon after diving. The top of the mountain has an altitude of almost 3000 feet above sea level and is a strenuous hike. Both altitude and activity are potential factors in bringing on decompression sickness after diving.

Physical demands: Count on 60-90 minutes ascending, slightly less descending. The humidity is intense, steps are uneven and sometimes slippery, and the elevation gain is significant. This isn't a casual walk—it's a legitimate workout that rewards preparation.

Other Exceptional Trails

Mas Cahones Hill: Among the most popular is Mas' Cahones Hill. Since the trail can get steep, you'll find ropes and railings on the steepest sections. The glute burn is worth it once you get to the top, and enjoy truly stunning views of Windwardside.

Sandy Cruz Trail: This hike offers the greatest variety of island landscapes and vegetation. It leads through lush rainforest, steep ravines, small farm plots, and towards the Troy Hill end through a well-developed dry forest. It offers spectacular views of Torrens Point, Diamond Rock, the North Coast, and the airport.

Tide Pool Trails: For easier exploration, coastal tide pool trails offer a short walk across lava rock formations to tide pools harboring small Corals, Crabs, and Urchins.

Trail fees: Make sure to stop in at the Trail Shop and pay your $3.00 trail fee to the Saba Conservation Foundation, which maintains and manages Saba's trails. Like the marine park fees, this directly supports conservation infrastructure.

What Makes Saba Special for Hikers

The scenery you'll find at the trails around The Bottom is dramatically different from the one you'll find above Zion's Hill. This is truly a hiker's paradise.

Biodiversity concentration is astonishing. There are 700 species of plants, an indigenous black iguana, and 60 species of birds. It's also blessed with multiple ecosystems: coral reefs and lava flows, as well as a rainforest and Elfin (Cloud) forest atop Mount Scenery.

In a single morning, you can hike through dry scrubland, tropical rainforest, and cloud forest—ecosystems typically separated by hundreds of miles, all compressed into five square miles of volcanic terrain.

Sint Eustatius (Statia): The Historical Gem

While Saba captivates with natural drama, Statia enchants with historical significance. This small island (just 8 square miles) played an outsized role in Caribbean and American history.

The Golden Rock Era

In the 18th century, Statia was the Caribbean's busiest port—"The Golden Rock" where merchants from every nation traded goods, enslaved people, weapons, and commodities. The island's commitment to free trade made it wealthy but also made it a target.

The first international acknowledgment of American independence happened here in 1776 when the Dutch governor ordered cannons fired in salute to an American naval vessel—the first official recognition of the American flag by a foreign power. Britain retaliated by sacking the island in 1781, effectively ending Statia's golden age.

Today, ruins tell these stories. Stone foundations of hundreds of warehouses line Lower Town, synagogue ruins speak to the once-thriving Jewish community, and fort remnants overlook anchorages where thousands of ships once traded.

Diving and Natural Beauty

Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius (Statia) are very quiet and peaceful. All three are global hotspots for marine biodiversity. Statia's waters harbor exceptional diving, including numerous shipwrecks and healthy reef systems.

The island also features The Quill, an extinct volcano with hiking trails leading into the crater where a lush forest ecosystem thrives in the protected bowl.

Why Choose Statia

Statia receives even fewer visitors than Saba, making it ideal for travelers seeking maximum solitude. The combination of historical significance, excellent diving, and genuine local culture creates experiences focused on depth rather than breadth.

The island's small size means you can explore comprehensively in 3-4 days, making it perfect for combining with Saba on a week-long Dutch Caribbean adventure.

Where to Stay on Both Islands

Accommodations reflect these islands' philosophies: intimate, locally-owned, and integrated into communities rather than isolated from them.

Saba Accommodations

Saba's guests enjoy a choice of small, intimate hotels and private cottages within quaint villages among friendly locals. Options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to boutique properties.

Windwardside offers the most options, with small hotels, cottages, and guesthouses within walking distance of restaurants and the Trail Shop. Properties here typically offer spectacular mountain and ocean views.

The Bottom provides easier access to the airport and Fort Bay harbor, making it convenient for divers and those with early flights or ferry departures.

Scout's Place, Queen's Garden Resort, and Juliana's Hotel are well-established mid-range options. For unique experiences, seek out private cottages rented by local families—often the most authentic and memorable accommodations.

Booking advice: During Carnival, Saba Day and the late-year holidays, the island really comes alive—and everything books up quickly. These events draw not just visitors, but Sabans coming home from abroad. Book 3-6 months ahead during these periods.

Statia Accommodations

Options on Statia are even more limited, with a handful of small hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties. This scarcity reinforces the island's off-the-beaten-path appeal but requires early booking during peak season.

Practical Information for Your Trip

Money and Connectivity

Saba has two ATMs, decent cell phone coverage, and island-wide WiFi. Despite remoteness, you'll stay connected. The currency is US dollars on both islands, simplifying transactions for American visitors.

Cash is essential: Make sure you have some cash to pay the departure tax from Saba of $15. They only take cash and there are no ATM's either at the port or at the airport.

Many small establishments prefer cash, and card processing can be unreliable. Bring sufficient cash to cover small expenses, tips, and fees.

Getting Around

On Saba, distances are very short, so exploring is possible by bicycle, on foot, or by taxi. The island measures just 5 square miles—you can walk from one end to the other in a day, though the hills make this challenging.

Taxi service is reliable but limited. Drivers often serve as impromptu tour guides. Rental cars are available but often unnecessary given the island's size.

Food and Dining

Family owned restaurants offer an array of cuisine from outdoor barbecues to fine dining, all at reasonable prices. Don't expect chain restaurants or fast food—everything is independently owned and operated.

Windwardside dining highlights: Tropics Cafe offers fantastic seafood and Caribbean staples like oxtails; Brigadoon, a stylish spot serving up grilled duck and Japanese tuna salad; and Chez Bubba Bistro, an intimate restaurant with a delicious seasonal menu.

Most of the restaurants in Windwardside, like Long Haul Grill, take on a different vibe with thumping music in the evenings. In The Bottom, the spot to go is Island Flavor, which serves everything from herb-crusted steak to fresh seafood and pasta dishes.

Grocery options are limited to small shops with basic supplies. If you have specific dietary requirements, bring specialty items with you.

Cultural Experiences

Saba's culture reflects unique heritage. The most numerous last names are Hassell, Johnson and Every; these three names are shared by upwards of 30% of Saba's population. Most of Saba's population descends from the intermixing of Africans and Europeans. Most families can trace ancestry to early Dutch, English, Scottish settlers and enslaved Africans.

Saba Lace represents a unique cultural tradition worth exploring. Local women maintain this intricate lacework craft, meeting regularly to preserve the art form that once provided crucial income for island families.

The Lace Ladies meet every Thursday from 3PM to 5PM. It's a good opportunity to see them at work and to learn about this craft, embroidered in Saba's history.

Harry L. Johnson Museum in Windwardside depicts island life in the old days, going as far as the pre-Columbian era with artifacts belonging to the indigenous peoples of Saba. The house, with its antique furniture and utensils brings us a little closer to the present day.

Best Time to Visit and What to Pack

Seasonal Considerations

The weather is lovely all year round. Things get a little warmer during June, July and August, and cool down at year's end. The terrain here is hilly, which means temperatures are always cooler at higher elevations.

Hurricane season runs June-November. The last major hurricane to hit Saba was Irma, in 2018. Since the world doesn't stop during this multi-month period, don't let the threat deter you. Simply make sure to purchase trip insurance, and keep an eye on weather forecasts as your trip approaches.

December through April offers the most reliable weather but also sees the highest visitor numbers (though "high" is relative on these islands). May and November can offer sweet spots—good weather with fewer visitors.

Packing Essentials

For hiking:

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good traction
• Quick-dry clothing (humidity is intense)
• Rain jacket (tropical showers happen)
• Daypack with hydration system
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat with brim for sun protection

For diving:

• Certification cards and dive log
• Underwater camera (visibility is too good not to document)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• 3mm wetsuit (water is warm but you'll make multiple dives)

General:

• Cash (US dollars)
• Passport (required for inter-island ferry travel)
• Modest clothing for villages Bathing suits are not appropriate within the villages
• First aid kit with blister treatment
• Reusable water bottle (minimizing plastic is expected)
• Headlamp for evening walks on unlit paths

What NOT to bring:

• Expectations of luxury resorts
• Rigid schedules (island time operates differently)
• Attitude (locals can spot entitled tourists immediately)
• Single-use plastics (bring reusable alternatives)

The Bottom Line: Why These Islands Matter

In an era of overtourism destroying the very attractions that draw visitors, Saba and Statia represent a different path forward. These islands prove that tourism can coexist with environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community well-being.

Saba is often called the "unspoiled queen" of the Caribbean thanks to the smaller numbers of tourists that visit the island, allowing it to maintain its natural beauty. This isn't marketing speak—it's observable reality.

The islands' remoteness serves as a natural filter. Only travelers willing to make the effort arrive, and those travelers tend to be exactly the kind who appreciate what these islands offer: authenticity over amenities, substance over style, and real adventure over manufactured experiences.

You won't find spa resorts, beach clubs, or all-inclusive packages here. You will find dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine coral reefs, genuine island culture, hiking that challenges you, diving that astonishes you, and the rare satisfaction of discovering places that still feel genuinely wild.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trip Right for You?

Be honest with yourself about what kind of traveler you are. If you need daily spa treatments, extensive dining options, nightlife, or convenient amenities, these islands will frustrate you. If you want beaches for lounging, you'll be disappointed—these islands offer dramatic coastlines, not sandy stretches.

But if you're energized by challenging hikes, exhilarated by world-class diving, fascinated by authentic culture, and refreshed by places that prioritize preservation over profit, Saba and Statia will reward you profoundly.

These islands ask something of visitors: respect, curiosity, physical effort, and genuine interest. In return, they offer experiences increasingly rare in our connected, commodified world—the thrill of authentic discovery, the satisfaction of earning your views, and the privilege of witnessing places that remain largely as they were decades ago.

The Caribbean you imagine from old stories and photographs—small villages where everyone knows each other, pristine reefs teeming with life, forests you can hike without seeing another soul—still exists. It just exists on two tiny volcanic specks that most travelers have never heard of.

Now you know. The question is: what will you do with this knowledge? Add another Instagram destination to your list, or actually go discover something real?

Saba and Statia are waiting. Wild, authentic, and wonderfully unspoiled.

Ready to explore? Start planning your Dutch Caribbean adventure by researching ferry schedules at Makana Ferry's website, booking accommodations directly with local guesthouses in Windwardside or The Bottom, and connecting with dive operators like Sea Saba for underwater adventures. Remember: the journey to these islands is part of the adventure, not an obstacle to overcome.

See you on the trails and underwater—where the Caribbean still feels genuinely wild.