Solo on Saba: Discovering the Caribbean's Best-Kept Secret
The Caribbean has no shortage of beautiful islands, and trust me, after my lengthy career as an American Airlines flight attendant, I've been to many of them. But Saba feels different, quieter, more authentic and a little unexpected. Just 28 miles from St. Maarten, this tiny five-square-mile island is home to about 2,000 people, with no cruise crowds or big resorts, just a handful of villages, lush mountains and a sense that you've found something special.
I came here solo, attracted by its reputation for safety, hiking and diving. What I found was more personal. An island that appears both adventurous and intimate, where everything, from landing on the world's shortest commercial runway to learning traditional Saba lace, sticks with you.
Why Saba is Excellent for Solo Travelers
- Smooth arrivals, even at the famous world's shortest commercial runway airport: Know what to expect before you land and hold on tight for quite an adventure.
- Feel safe and welcomed everywhere: Saba's friendly, tight-knit community and extremely low crime rate make it an easy, stress-free place to feel safe and completely at ease, whether solo or in a group.
- Adventure at your own pace: Easy-to-navigate hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, guided diving spots and cultural experiences that let you take in the island as a whole.
- Dine out with ease: Discover local restaurants where solo travelers and groups feel comfortable and welcomed.
- Stay smart and cozy: Boutique hotels and guesthouses that value safety and comfort, and make it easy to meet other travelers or relax on your own.
Editor's Note: The writer was hosted.
How to Get to Saba: Flights, Ferry Options, and Tips
Getting to Saba isn't just transportation, it's your first taste of adventure. Whether you arrive by air or sea, the journey sets the stage for everything that follows on this rugged, unforgettable island.
Flying to Saba: Landing on the World's Shortest Runway
If you're flying in, prepare for an experience you'll be talking about long after your trip ends. The flight from St. Maarten takes less than 15 minutes, but the approach feels like something from a movie.
As the plane descends, you'll see Saba's imposing cliffs rise sharply from the sea. Then comes the moment everybody talks about: landing on Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, home to the world's shortest commercial runway.
From my seat, I could see the runway rushing toward us while I gripped it just a little bit tighter, followed by a firm, immediate braking the second we touched down. Even as a former flight attendant, I experienced a sense of relief and excitement. It was thrilling, but also unexpectedly smooth.
Airlines like Winair and SXM Airways operate regular flights, and if you want more flexibility, private charters are also available.
SheBuysTravel Tip:Sit next to the window if you can. You won't want to miss this landing.
Ferry to Saba: A Scenic and Slower Alternative
Even though I definitely suggest taking the flight, you can take a ferry for a completely different perspective. Departing from St. Maarten or nearby St. Eustatius, the ride takes about 90 minutes and delivers sweeping views of the Caribbean along the way.
Some say the journey can be somewhat choppy depending on the weather, but on calmer days, it's a peaceful, scenic way to approach the island, especially if you'd rather skip the adrenaline of the runway.
Entry Requirements and Travel Essentials for Saba
A few practical things to know before you go:
- You'll need a valid passport to enter Saba.
- There's a $10 departure tax when you leave the island.
- The U.S. dollar is used, which makes things easy for American travelers.
Flights and ferries have limited schedules, so it's worth booking ahead-especially in peak season. After that, you'll find yourself slowing down in the best way.
Things to Do in Saba: Hiking, Diving and Local Culture
Saba may be small, but it more than makes up for it with remarkable experiences. From misty-mountain hikes to dynamic underwater worlds and firmly established traditions, this island has a way of pulling you in and encouraging you to slow down and really take it all in.
Best Hiking Trails in Saba for Solo Travelers
If you love hiking, Saba feels like a private playground. With more than 20 well-kept trails and virtually no crime, it's an incredibly easy place to explore, especially with a guide, so you can just focus on taking in the scenery and enjoying the experience.
One of the most popular routes is Mount Scenery, a moderately challenging hike that takes about 90 minutes each way. The reward? Standing at the highest point in the Dutch Kingdom, surrounded by misty rainforest, sweeping views and cloud cover that rolls out just as fast as it rolls in.
For something shorter, I tried the Mas'Cohones trail and it quickly became one of my favorites. It's about a 30-minute one-way hike, steep in parts, with a series of stairs that lead you to incredible views overlooking the village below. I went with a guide from the Saba Conservation Foundation, which added both insight and peace of mind.
SheBuysTravel Tip:Stop by theTrail Shopnear the trailheads before you go. You'll get up-to-date advice, gear recommendations and the option to book a guide if needed.
Scuba Diving in Saba Marine Park: What to Expect
Saba is widely known as one of the Caribbean's top diving destinations, and once you're in the water, it's easy to see why.
The entire coastline is protected within the Saba Marine Park, where clear waters and dramatic underwater drop-offs create a truly unique diving environment. Because the island rises so steeply from the sea, shore diving isn't allowed, so every dive is done by boat with a licensed operator.
I took part in a group dive with Sea Saba, and within minutes of leaving Fort Bay Harbor, we were descending into colorfully alive coral, tropical fish and striking underwater formations. Across more than 30 protected dive sites, you can expect to see sea turtles, reef sharks and large schools of fish. Seeing a sea turtle up close was truly spectacular.
Even as a solo traveler, I never felt alone, and the dive sites are so close that it never takes long to get there. Group dives make it easy to connect with others while still enjoying the experience on your own.
Saba Culture and Museums You Shouldn't Miss
Beyond the trails and dive sites, what really stayed with me was Saba's culture, it's what gives the island its heart. I'd definitely recommend taking time to explore the villages, learn about their history and experience the traditions that make the tiny island so memorable.
I started at the Harry L. Johnson Museum, a well-preserved 19th-century sea captain's cottage in Windwardside. As a history lover, the classic gingerbread-style architecture, red roof and green shutters, like much of the island's structures, made me feel like I'd stepped back in time. Inside, it seemed as if the former inhabitants had recently stepped out for the day, with everything looking as if they could return at any time.
Intricate examples of Saba lace (more on that below) and old photographs fill the space, and the guide, Pamela, brought it all to life, sharing stories about the family who lived there and others who helped shape the island.
At the Saba Heritage Center, I got a deeper look at the island's roots, from its indigenous beginnings to modern-day life. I was surprised to learn that Saba didn't even have electricity until around the 1970s, and that many of its early settlers were sea captains, which suddenly made perfect sense after visiting one of their former homes earlier. There are even accounts of pirate lore, which really piqued my interest.
Inside, I found all kinds of intriguing artifacts, especially early pipes carved into the shape of fish, made from manatee bone. Old photographs showed islanders baking flat, round bread in the heat right on their rooftops, while others captured fishermen standing proudly next to enormous Wahoo.
But one of the most surprising highlights? Trying Saba Lace.
More Than a Souvenir
Known as "Spanish Work," this finely detailed needlecraft dates back to the 1870s, when Mary Gertrude Hassell Johnson brought the technique to the island, and it quickly grew into a successful mail-order tradition.
Visiting the Saba Lace Room on a Thursday afternoon was very memorable. Ms. Peggy and the kindest group of Saba lace ladies welcomed me and others so warmly that day. It felt less like a demonstration and more like being invited into their world. To my surprise, I actually got the hang of it pretty quickly and found the whole process incredibly calming. Ms. Peggy said I was a natural.
We even got to try her special Saba cake, topped with the lightest, most delicate frosting, simple, homemade and absolutely delicious. Leaving with a small handmade piece of Saba Lace felt like taking home a quiet, meaningful connection to the island's history, far more special than any souvenir I could buy.
Where to Eat and Stay in Saba: My Personal Recommendations
Dining
Dining solo in Saba never felt awkward. Many of the island's restaurants double as meeting points, where travelers and locals naturally mix.
Tropics Cafe at Juliana's Hotel quickly became one of my go-to spots. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the panoramic views alone are worth it. Add in fresh seafood and Saba's famous lobster (available year-round), and it's an easy favorite.
SheBuysTravel Tip:Say hello to the resident dogs, Hermes and Peanut, and don't skip the locally made rum cocktails from Unspoiled Queen Liqueurs.
Colibri Cafe, tucked into the rainforest near the Mount Scenery trailhead, is the perfect post-hike stop. It's relaxed, scenic and ideal for recharging with a drink or light bite.
SheBuysTravel Tip:Order the soursop smoothie. It's creamy, refreshing and unlike anything you'll find back home.
For something a bit more traditional, Brigadoon delivers a cozy, historic setting with a menu that ranges from steak and pasta to standout seafood.
SheBuysTravel Tip:The Saban lobster tail is a must; just know that even the "half" portion is generous.
If you're looking for a casual, animated atmosphere, Bizzy B is the island's unofficial gathering place. Positioned at the front of Breadline Plaza, it's perfect for coffee, pastries and watching people, with a daily menu that keeps things fresh.
And when you want a place that feels like a local favorite, The Hideaway Bar and Restaurant delivers. Located towards the back of the same plaza, it's welcoming, unpretentious and the kind of spot you'll likely return to more than once, especially for karaoke night, I hear.
Boutique Hotels and Unique Places to Stay in Saba
Saba's accommodations mirror the island itself: small-scale, peaceful and full of character. With only about 140 hotel rooms across the entire island, it never feels crowded, something that's increasingly rare in the Caribbean.
The Scenery Hotel is the island's newest luxury option, offering beautifully designed rooms with ocean or mountain views, private terraces and an infinity pool that makes it hard to leave. It's polished without feeling overdone, blending in with nature. The lobby and bar stop you immediately, the views beyond are just that striking.
Juliana's Hotel, on the other hand, feels like a colorful and pleasant hideaway. With oceanview rooms, garden cottages and its on-site restaurant (Tropics), it strikes a balance between comfort and island spirit. I found it especially appealing as a solo traveler. It's easy to feel both relaxed and connected here.
Beyond hotels, there are also vacation rental homes across the island, many of which offer added privacy while still keeping you close to Saba's main villages like Windwardside and The Bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Saba
Yes. Saba is widely considered one of the safest Caribbean islands for solo travelers, including women. When I explored Saba solo, I felt comfortable hiking, dining out and moving between villages without concern, something that isn't always guaranteed when traveling alone. The island has an extremely low crime rate, and its small, close-knit community creates a welcoming, watchful environment.
The best way to get to Saba from St. Maarten is either by a short flight (about 15 minutes) or a 90-minute ferry ride. Flying is the fastest and most popular option, especially for travelers who want the unique experience of landing on the world's shortest commercial runway.
Yes. Saba offers a variety of guided tours and group activities that are ideal for solo travelers. Popular options include guided hikes, scuba diving excursions and cultural experiences.
The best things to do in Saba include hiking Mount Scenery, diving in the Saba Marine Park, visiting local museums and experiencing traditional Saba lace.
The best places for solo travelers to stay in Saba are boutique hotels and guesthouses in Windwardside or The Bottom. These areas offer easy access to restaurants, hiking trails and local attractions.
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 6:51 AM.