A little known Caribbean island and special municipality of the Netherlands, Saba has remained largely untouched by the passage of time. Being 5 square miles of rocky, dormant volcano, it is a beautiful spectacle, above and below the waterline, and it retains a safe and friendly atmosphere in its small settlements with a population of just 1,500 people. The island has 15 marked hiking trails – from moderate to strenuous, where visitors can explore tidal pools, rolling hills and wooded areas. But most visitors come to explore its underwater riches.

The Caribbean island of Saba

Tabacon Hot Springs, Alajuela[/caption] The volcanic nature of Saba creates some great scuba diving, with over 30 marked sites. There is diverse structural topography and the Saba Marine Park was created to protect this unique range of habitats. There are deep water pinnacles and drop-offs, sloping reefs and shallow coral nurseries, lava labyrinths, and, rather unusually for this part of the world, excellent muck dive sites. Sharp-eyed divers can find flying gurnards, lobsters, frogfish, conch and lizardfish. Elsewhere whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, and even humpback whales are seen. Overall, there is excellent fish diversity, with 400 different recorded species.

Around 11,000 international tourists visit Saba every year, mostly from the USA and the Netherlands, and they play a critical role of the local economy. The COVID crisis of 2020-21 therefore had a devastating impact on the island. Upon news of the outbreak around the world, the governor of Saba took the precaution of closing the airport, harbours and schools, because the inhabitants of the island are rather exposed to health risks since the local medical facilities only have 8 beds. Even still, the first known case of COVID was confirmed on 12 April 2020. By 8 May the island began re-opening, but with social-distancing to remain in place, together with the prohibition of large gatherings (not likely in Saba, in any case!). So far the island has reported just 11 cases and no deaths.

The airport was re-opened on 1 May 2021, and now more than 90% of Sabans have already been vaccinated. Current entry requirements include proof of a negative PCR test result, and quarantining for non-vaccinated arrivals. Further information can be found here: Saba entry requirements.

Dive The World offers Saba liveaboard cruises to dive at this unique island. Normally these trips would visit both St. Kitts and Saba. However, due to current COVID regulations, they are restricted to just diving at Saba. Guests must meet the St. Maarten entry requirements, which the boat uses as its port. These include PCR tests, insurance, and health form applications. St. Kitts cruises is expected to re-start in January 2022.