Saba

The small Caribbean island of Saba offers some of the best dive sites in the world, which is why more and more divers are coming here to explore the area waters. Divers aren't the only ones that are starting to take notice of this charming island. Hikers and climbers can also satisfy their needs for adventure on a vacation to Saba island. Cone-shaped, thanks to the fact that is an extinct volcano, Saba doesn't have any flat land to speak of. It is also lacking in beaches, but instead has many options to dive, hike, and climb. If you seek beaches, you can always head to nearby St Maarten.

The Saba Marine Park is largely responsible for the fact that Saba is such a world-class diving destination. This park was created to protect the waters that surround the island. These waters are home to coral reefs, underwater mountains, and a healthy abundance of marine life. Among the curious creatures that you will likely see if you add scuba diving to your Saba travel plans are spiny lobsters, sea turtles, and stingrays. Sharks, octopus, and numerous types of fish also frequent the waters of the Saba Marine Park. The fees for park access are more than reasonable, and they help to maintain it.

Because of the fact that the waters that surround Saba in the Caribbean are protected, divers cannot explore them on their own. There are three different dive shops on the island, and if you want to explore the underwater realms, you'll have to book your trip through them. These dive shops know the area well, and they can get you to all the top sites. In addition to exploring reefs while scuba diving in Saba, you can also view other attractive natural formations, such as the Pinnacles. This dive site features submerged peaks that are covered in sponges and corals. Various rock walls, caves, and tunnels can also be explored if you are planning on scuba diving during your vacation to Saba Island. As a side note, the island of Bonaire, which is relatively close to Saba, is another diving mecca that boasts an impressive underwater marine park.

On your trip to Saba in the Caribbean, you might not want to spend all of your time underwater. The hiking trails here are spectacular, and while some are ideal for challenging hikes, others are more suitable for more leisurely strolls. The Road, which is the main road on the island, offers access to the various hiking trails on Saba, and if you're up for a real challenge, you'll take the path that leads to the top of Mount Scenery. This is the tallest point on the island, and it tops out at 2,854 feet above sea level. The views are great atop Mount Scenery, hence the name. Climbing and hiking tours are offered on the island of Saba. The land-based tours can also include bird watching. It's all about eco-tourism in Saba, and the 25,000 visitors that come here annually spend plenty of time enjoying the great outdoors.

As is true on other Dutch-owned islands in the Caribbean, such as Aruba and Curacao, the official language on the island of Saba is Dutch, though everyone speaks English very well. This has a lot to do with the island's past settlers, who were largely of Scottish and English descent. When booking your stay at one of the Saba hotels, you won't have to worry about a language barrier. Speaking of the hotels that can be found here, there are some good ones to choose from. Since none of the Saba hotels are beach hotels, they can be ideal places to steal away to for a while when you want a break from the sand.

In addition to some good hotels, Saba also offers some tempting vacation rentals that are also worth keeping in mind when planning a visit. Perhaps a hillside villa with a private pool will suit your fancy. Whether you stay at one of the Saba hotels or in one of the island's vacation rentals, you're bound to discover the true meaning of Caribbean relaxation. It's just a short plane or ferry ride from St Maarten to Saba, and you should have no trouble running out of things to do between these two inviting islands.