Saba is one of the smallest and least visited islands in the Caribbean, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. There are no beaches, no cruise ships, and no big resorts — just raw natural beauty and a peaceful, slow pace of life. I spent a week there hiking nearly every day, and I can tell you firsthand: the best things to do in Saba aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about fully experiencing the island’s quiet charm and wild terrain. If you’re looking for a guide to the top things to do in Saba Island, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t a destination packed with big attractions — and that’s what makes it special. Whether you’re diving into the marine park, hiking to cloud-covered peaks, or just wandering the villages, Saba is all about unplugging. Here’s everything I recommend doing based on my time there.
Table of Contents
10 Best Things to Do in Saba Island, Caribbean
1. Hike Mount Scenery– The Netherland’s Highest Point
Hiking Mount Scenery is hands down one of the best things to do in Saba, especially if you’re into nature and don’t mind a bit of a climb. This isn’t just the island’s most famous trail — it’s also the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands. The trailhead starts right in Windward Side, and from there, it’s a steady, often steep ascent up over a thousand stone steps through lush rainforest. As you climb, the landscape changes dramatically — from dense greenery to misty cloud forest that makes you feel like you’re in another world.
Learn more about hiking Mount Scenery with my trail guide!
What really makes Mount Scenery special, though, is the view at the top — if you’re lucky enough to catch it between clouds. On a clear day, you can see St. Kitts, Statia, and beyond. But honestly, even if it’s fogged in (which it often is), the trail is still worth it. It’s quiet, well-maintained, and full of moments where you’ll want to just stop and take it in. If you only have time for one hike, make it this one. It’s iconic and truly captures the spirit of things to do in Saba Island — raw, rewarding, and totally unplugged.
Tips for Hiking Mount Scenery:
- Start early to avoid cloud cover — mornings are usually clearest.
- Wear good hiking shoes — the steps can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring water and snacks — there’s nothing at the top but views and mist.
- Download a trail map or grab one in Windward Side just in case.
- Don’t rush — take your time, enjoy the quiet, and soak in the surroundings.
2. Complete the Full Island Hiking Trail Loop
While Mount Scenery is the most well-known hike, what really blew me away was how connected and expansive the rest of Saba’s trail network is. I ended up spending most of my week hiking — and one of the best things I did was link together several trails into a full island loop. Starting from Windward Side, I climbed Mount Scenery, then connected to the Elfin Forest Trail, continued on the Sandy Cruz Trail, dropped into The Bottom via the Bottom Mountain Trail, and worked my way back around to Windward Side via the Crispine Track. It sounds like a lot (and it is), but it’s completely doable if you’re up for an adventurous day.
Learn all about the best hikes in Saba with this guide!
What stood out the most was how wild and untouched the island felt once I got away from the villages. You’re walking through dense forest, volcanic ridges, fern-covered paths, and open viewpoints with ocean on all sides. If you love hiking and want to see the real Saba, this is one of the best things to do in Saba Island — no question. You don’t need a guide if you’re comfortable navigating, but definitely plan ahead and give yourself enough time.
Tips for Hiking the Full Island Loop:
- Pick up a trail map at the Trail Shop in Windward Side — it’s a must.
- Break it into sections if a full-day hike feels like too much.
- Don’t skip the Sandy Cruz Trail — it’s one of the most scenic sections.
- Watch for signage — most trails are marked, but junctions can be tricky.
- Bring sunscreen and plenty of water — some exposed areas get hot mid-day.
- No need for a car — many trailheads are walkable from Windward Side.
3. Stay Somewhere Special – Like Spyglass Villa
Where you stay on Saba genuinely shapes your entire experience. Since the island is small and super laid-back, finding the right base is part of what makes the trip memorable. I stayed at Spyglass Villa, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of the week. Perched high up near Windward Side, this luxury hilltop villa offers gorgeous views of the ocean, constant mountain breezes, and a level of peace and quiet that’s hard to describe. At night, the stargazing was unreal — no light pollution, just a sky full of stars above the Caribbean.
Learn more about Spyglass Villa with my full review!
Even if you don’t book Spyglass specifically, I’d say one of the best things to do in Saba is to treat yourself to a stay in a scenic, thoughtfully designed place. But if you can get Spyglass? Do it. The whole space — from the panoramic deck to the spacious rooms — made coming home each day just as rewarding as the hikes. A good stay isn’t just a place to sleep here; it’s part of the full things to do in Saba Island experience.
Book your stay at Spyglass Villa here!
Highlights of Staying at Spyglass Villa:
- Unmatched views over Mount Scenery, the sea, and surrounding hills
- Luxury stay with high-end furnishings, open layout, and total privacy
- Incredible stargazing from the deck — no light pollution, just stars
- Cool mountain breezes all day and night — no AC needed
- Complete peace and quiet, with only the sounds of nature
- Easy access to trails and Windward Side village just minutes away
4. Wander Windward Side – Small-Town Caribbean Charm
Windward Side is Saba’s liveliest village — which still isn’t saying much, and that’s exactly the point. This is where I spent most of my downtime when I wasn’t hiking, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the island. Picture tidy little cottages, red roofs, flower-filled gardens, and narrow paths that wind past cafés, art shops, and trailheads. There’s no rush here. People wave. You can walk the entire town in about ten minutes. But you’ll want to slow down and linger — especially after a long hike.
One of the best things to do in Saba Island is just wander Windward Side without an agenda. Grab a coffee, sit on a bench, chat with a local, or browse the handful of shops. It’s small, but it’s got everything you need — including great food. After a few days here, you’ll start to feel like a regular, which makes this little village feel even more like home. Whether you’re refueling after the trails or just enjoying a quiet Caribbean evening, Windward Side is the kind of place that stays with you.
Highlights of Visiting Windward Side:
- Morning coffee at Bizzy B — cozy vibe, great pastries, and island charm
- Dinner at Tropic’s Café — perfect for sunset views and elevated local fare
- Craft beer at Deep Dive Brewing Co. — great spot to wind down after hiking
- Browse local shops and galleries — small but full of character
- Easy access to most hiking trailheads from right in town
- Good home base for exploring the rest of the island without a car
5. Visit The Bottom – Saba’s Historical Capital
The Bottom is Saba’s capital, but don’t expect anything like a city center. It’s a quiet, tucked-away village nestled in a valley — and despite its name, it sits higher than it sounds. I visited for a few hours one afternoon and found it worth the stop if you’re already nearby. It’s more administrative than touristy, with government buildings, a medical school, and a slower pace than Windward Side. Still, walking the steep roads, checking out the colonial-style architecture, and just taking in the scenery makes it a nice contrast to the island’s other areas.
One of the more well-known landmarks in The Bottom is The Ladder, a steep staircase carved into the cliffs that once served as the main entry point to the island — locals used to haul everything up it by hand. I didn’t hike it myself, but a lot of travelers recommend it if you’re into historical treks. Even if you skip the climb, just being in The Bottom adds another layer to understanding the island, and it’s a calm spot to wander, take photos, and enjoy the slower side of the best things to do in Saba.
Highlights of Visiting The Bottom:
- See Saba’s colonial architecture and government buildings
- Visit The Ladder trailhead, even if you don’t hike it
- Wander the quiet streets — fewer tourists and a local vibe
- Good spot for low-key photography and people-watching
- Home of Saba University — gives the town a unique energy
- Combine with a hike from Windward Side via Bottom Mountain Trail
6. Dive or Snorkel the Saba Marine Park
I’ll be honest — I’m not a diver. I’ve never done it, and I didn’t dive while I was in Saba. But even so, it’s impossible to ignore just how big of a deal diving is here. People come from all over specifically for the Saba Marine Park, which surrounds the island with protected reefs, volcanic formations, and some of the best underwater visibility in the Caribbean. Every diver I met on the island was absolutely raving about it.
Even though I didn’t dive, I heard enough to confidently say that this is one of the best things to do in Saba — especially if you’re PADI certified. There are several reputable dive shops in Windward Side and at the harbor that offer guided dives, refresher courses, and equipment rentals. If diving’s not your thing either, there are a few good snorkeling spots around the island, including near Ladder Bay. The marine life is still impressive, and you’ll get a sense of why the underwater world here is such a draw.
Highlights of Diving & Snorkeling in Saba:
- World-class diving with deep walls, pinnacles, and rich marine biodiversity
- Guided trips available daily from dive shops in Windward Side and Fort Bay
- Snorkeling options near Ladder Bay and Tent Reef but it’s deep snorkeling
- Saba Marine Park is protected, so the reef is healthy and thriving
- Perfect for experienced divers — but intro and refresher dives are available
- One of the top-rated dive spots in the entire Caribbean region
7. Watch Planes Land at the World’s Shortest Commercial Runway
One of the most unique things about Saba — and something I’ll never forget — is flying into the island. The runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the shortest commercial runway in the world, and landing on it is honestly a thrill. It’s carved into a cliffside, with the sea on both ends, and pilots specially trained to fly in. Even if you’re not flying, just watching planes come and go is an experience in itself. Locals and travelers often gather near the edge of the cliffs to catch the action.
If you’re into travel oddities or just want a cool photo opp, this is one of the best things to do in Saba Island — especially because it’s so easy to access. Whether you’re arriving by air or just walking near the airport (which you can do — the island is that small), you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic landings in the Caribbean. If you’re not up for flying, the ferry is an option too — but honestly, the flight in is worth it for the views alone.
Highlights of Watching Planes at Saba’s Airport:
- See the world’s shortest commercial runway in action
- Epic backdrop — cliffs on one side, ocean on the other
- Great photo opportunity from the roadside near the airport
- Flying in is an experience itself — not just a way to get there
8. Unplug, Slow Down, and Just Be
If I had to sum up Saba in one feeling, it would be calm. One of the best things to do in Saba has nothing to do with hiking or diving — it’s simply letting the island’s slow rhythm reset you. During my week on Saba Island, I found the quiet moments in between the “activities” were just as memorable as the big ones. Sitting on the porch at Spyglass Villa with a cup of coffee, walking to town with no schedule, or lying back and staring at the stars — these were the moments that really made the trip feel different.
Saba invites you to step away from your usual pace. There’s no pressure to do more than just be. If you’re building out a list of the top things to do in Saba Island, don’t overlook the joy of doing nothing. Disconnecting — even briefly — is part of what makes this island so special. Whether it’s an afternoon nap, a solo walk, or a slow journal session after a long hike, Saba rewards stillness just as much as movement.
Highlights of Slowing Down on Saba:
- Start slow with a quiet morning and some island coffee— it’s one of the best things to do in Saba
- Journal or sketch — perfect for capturing thoughts while taking in the view
- Spend your nights stargazing — it’s a standout among the most peaceful things to do in Saba Island
- Log off for a day — fewer distractions means deeper rest
- Have a no-plans day — you don’t need an itinerary to enjoy the best of Saba
- Let yourself be still — sometimes, doing less is the best thing you can do
Final Thoughts – Saba Is the Caribbean You Didn’t Know Still Existed
Saba isn’t a place you visit for a packed schedule or bucket list bragging rights — it’s a place you go to reconnect with nature, breathe deep, and take things one step at a time (literally, if you’re hiking Mount Scenery). What stood out most to me was how the island makes you slow down — not because you’re trying to, but because that’s just how life works here.
Whether you’re trekking the island’s trails, diving into the marine park, or simply watching the stars from a quiet villa, the best things to do in Saba are rooted in simplicity. If you’re the kind of traveler who values space, nature, and time to reflect, then you’ll find that the things to do in Saba Island go far beyond what any tourist brochure could show you. And honestly, that’s the whole point.
F.A.Q.’s about the Best Things to Do in Saba Island
What are the best things to do in Saba?
The best things to do in Saba include hiking Mount Scenery, exploring the island’s extensive trail network, diving or snorkeling in the Saba Marine Park, and relaxing in a hilltop villa with incredible views. Even simple things like wandering Windward Side or watching planes land on the world’s shortest runway feel special here.
What are the top things to do in Saba Island for non-divers?
Even if you don’t dive, there are still plenty of great things to do in Saba Island. Hiking is the main attraction — from short walks to full-day loops. You can also explore the tide pools, enjoy stargazing, eat at great local spots like Tropic’s Café or Deep Dive Brewing, and take in the views from your villa.
Is Saba good for solo travelers?
Yes — Saba is a peaceful and safe destination that’s ideal for solo travel. Most of the best things to do in Saba involve outdoor adventures, and it’s easy to meet other hikers or chat with locals in Windward Side. The quiet pace makes it perfect for solo reflection, journaling, and recharging.
How many days do you need to experience the best things to do in Saba Island?
Three to five days is perfect for hitting the top things to do in Saba Island. That gives you time for multiple hikes, a diving or snorkeling trip, a day of slow exploration, and plenty of time to unplug and enjoy the island’s peaceful vibe.
Are there beaches in Saba?
No — there are no traditional sandy beaches in Saba. That’s part of what makes it unique. Instead of beach days, the things to do in Saba focus more on hiking, diving, and mountain views. You can still swim in the sea, but access points are rocky and natural.
Do I need a car to get around Saba?
Not necessarily. Most of the best things to do in Saba Island are walkable if you stay in Windward Side. Some travelers hitchhike — which is common and safe here — or you can use local taxis for trips between villages or trailheads.
