On some Caribbean islands, you will be greeted by huge terminals and walls of taxi drivers. Sabah Greetings from the cliffs.
“pristine queen” — A single volcanic peak rising straight from the sea approx. 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten — one of the most difficult islands to reach in the region and one of the most rewarding. There are no direct international flights, no cruise ports, and no resort districts. Reaching this requires two choices. 12 minutes flight With the shortest commercial runway on Earth, or 90 minute crossing By high-speed ferry. Both start from: st martinThis is your single gateway to all things Saba.
That means the first leg of your Saba trip is actually a flight to your next destination. Saint Martin Princess Juliana International AirportIt is a busy Dutch hub with connections to most major American and European cities. Schedule your arrival in the morning or early afternoon. The last hop to Saba leaves before dark. Juancho E. Irausquin Airport There are no runway lights and ferries run on a weekly schedule.
Flying is the headline act. Win Air It is the only airline that operates regular routes to Saba. De Havilland Twin OtterThis is a rugged 19-seat turboprop built for exactly this kind of short-distance, steep-approach work. There is approximately 4 flights daily The intersection from St. Maarten takes approx. 12 minutesOne-way fares run normally. $142 ~ $147Day trip prices are available for those who want to land, hike, and fly out the same afternoon. Sit on the right side leaving St. Maarten for the best angle of the island materializing out into the open Atlantic Ocean.
Then comes the landing. Juancho E. Irausquin Airport There is approximately 1 runway 1,300 feet — the shortest of any commercial airliner — anchored to a rock ledge with a cliff at one end and the ocean at the other. Pilots train specifically for the flight, and the approach is part scrappy, part theatrical. Without exaggeration, it is one of the greatest destinations anywhere in the world.
If small planes aren’t your style or the weather makes airports inconvenient, sea routes may be an alternative. Saba is currently served by two ferry operators. edge and giftboth cross about 90 minutes and both land port bayThe island’s working port. edgeA catamaran piercing the waves simpsons bay to tuesday and fridayleaving 9 am and depart Sabah for approx. 3:30 PM — Clean windows for day trips. giftThe 150-passenger high-speed catamaran operates more frequently and connects Saba with the following destinations: saint eustatius and saint kittsThis is a better option for anyone traveling to the islands across the Dutch Caribbean.
A few things to plan for. Both flights and ports are weather dependent and delays are frequent, so you should allow a buffer day rather than connecting on a same-day international flight from St. Maarten. Pack light. twin otters Baggage limits are firm. Saba is a separate immigration office even if you are arriving from other parts of the Dutch Caribbean region, so be sure to bring your passport with you.
Waiting on the other side justifies the effort. at port bay Or taxi from the airport take the single zigzag road floorA clean water supply, and windwardThe town is the island’s hiking and dining hub. Everything sits on it. Scenery of Mount Fujialmost 2,900 feet It is the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands, with a cloud forest trail leading to the top. coast, Sabah Marine Park Protects some of the most famous wall and pinnacle dives in the Caribbean.
There are no beaches to speak of and no crowds to fight with. In Saba, getting there was always half the story.
