If you’re wondering how to get to Saba, just know this: the journey is part of the experience. I flew in from St. Maarten on a small prop plane, and it was one of the most thrilling (and slightly nerve-wracking) flights I’ve ever taken. You can feel every movement of the aircraft as you cross the sea, and then you land on the smallest commercial runway in the world, carved into a cliffside — it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you fly or take the ferry, getting to Saba Island isn’t complicated, but it does require a little flexibility. My biggest tip? Plan for delays. Weather conditions often cause last-minute schedule changes — we were delayed over four hours leaving St. Maarten, and that’s not unusual. If you’re making travel plans, give yourself breathing room. Don’t schedule anything tightly around your arrival. In this post, I’ll break down both options — flying and taking the ferry — so you can decide the best way to reach this quiet little island.
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Flying to Saba – The Fastest and Most Exciting Option
If you’re trying to figure out how to get to Saba quickly and with a bit of adventure, flying is the way to go. I took a short flight from St. Maarten on a small prop plane, and it was honestly one of the most memorable parts of my trip. You fly low over the water, close enough to see the waves and islands passing beneath you, and then land dramatically on the world’s shortest commercial runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. It’s only 400 meters long and sits between cliffs and sea — it’s wild in the best way.
The flight itself takes just 12 to 15 minutes, usually on Windward Express Airways or Winair, and most departures leave from SXM (Princess Juliana International Airport). While flying is the fastest way to reach the island, it’s also the most unpredictable. Because the planes are so small, weather delays are super common. In fact, our flight was delayed over four hours due to low visibility, and that’s just part of the experience when figuring out how to get to Saba by air. Flexibility is key — so don’t plan anything important right after you land.
Tips for Flying to Saba:
- Fly from St. Maarten (SXM) — all Saba flights currently depart from here
- Flight time is around 12–15 minutes, but plan extra time for delays
- Weather delays are common — avoid tight schedules and connections
- Book early in high season — seats fill quickly on the small planes
- Sit on the right side when flying from SXM for the best views of Saba
- Pack light — small aircraft have stricter baggage limits than commercial airlines
- Look for Windward Express or Winair when searching flight options to Saba
You can book your flight to Saba here!
Taking the Ferry to Saba – Scenic, but Weather Dependent
If flying feels a little too intense or your budget’s tighter, the ferry is your other option when figuring out how to get to Saba. While I didn’t take the ferry myself, I looked into it seriously before booking my flight, and I heard a lot about it from locals and other travelers on the island. There are a few ferry operators running routes between St. Maarten and Saba, with The Edge and Makana Ferry being the two most popular. The ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on conditions.
It’s worth noting: this isn’t always a calm, Caribbean cruise. The seas can get rough, especially during winter months or on windy days, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring meds and consider sitting outside. That said, people also told me the views of Saba as you approach by water are incredible. If you’ve got time and aren’t in a rush, the ferry is a solid alternative. Just like flying, though — be ready for delays. Weather affects boats as much as planes when you’re thinking through how to get to Saba Island.
Saba Ferry Schedule & What to Expect
Ferries to Saba usually leave from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg in St. Maarten. Makana Ferry typically runs more frequent trips throughout the week, while The Edge offers scheduled service a few times a week (often more focused on day trippers). Ticket prices range from $55–$75 USD one way. Customs is handled at the port when you arrive in Fort Bay, Saba.
Make sure to book your ferry in advance during high season — especially if you’re planning a day trip to Saba from St. Maarten. And just like with flights, try not to stack activities or connections too tightly. Between ferry delays and unpredictable seas, things rarely run exactly on time.
Tips for Taking the Ferry to Saba:
- Two main options: Makana Ferry (more frequent) and The Edge (less frequent)
- Ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on weather and sea conditions
- Seas can get rough — bring motion sickness medication if needed
- Book ahead in high season, especially around holidays or weekends
- Departure points vary, but most leave from Philipsburg or Simpson Bay
- Arrive early to check in and clear exit customs on the St. Maarten side
- Sit outside if you can — the approach to Saba is stunning
How to Choose How to Get to Saba– Flight vs. Ferry
So, how to get to Saba — flight or ferry? Both options have their pros and trade-offs, and honestly, the right choice comes down to your travel style, budget, and how much time you’ve got. Flying is faster and more dramatic, but it’s also more weather-sensitive and pricier. The ferry is more budget-friendly, but can be rough at sea and takes longer — especially when you factor in customs and potential delays.
If you’re planning a day trip to Saba from St. Maarten, the flight gives you more time on the island. But if you’re traveling slow and want to enjoy the scenic route (and save some cash), the ferry is a good fit — just make sure you’re flexible. No matter which option you choose, getting to Saba Island is part of the adventure and sets the tone for the experience ahead.
Flight vs. Ferry to Saba at a Glance:
| Flight to Saba | Ferry to Saba | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | ~12–15 minutes | ~90–120 minutes |
| Cost | ~$400-500 USD roundtrip | ~$110–140 USD roundtrip |
| Weather Impact | High (frequent delays) | Medium (rough seas common) |
| Baggage | Limited — small aircraft | More flexible |
| Comfort | Short, but cramped | Potentially rough seas |
| Scenic Factor | Very high — epic landing | Great approach views |
| Best For | Day trips, adventure seekers | Budget travelers, slower pace |
Entry Requirements for Saba Island
Whether you fly or take the ferry, getting to Saba Island is surprisingly easy when it comes to paperwork and immigration. Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands, so entry requirements are pretty straightforward, especially for travelers coming from the U.S., Canada, and most European countries. You’ll need a valid passport, but there’s no visa required for short stays under 90 days.
Customs and immigration are handled either at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (if you fly) or Fort Bay Harbor (if you arrive by ferry). There’s a small arrival tax (around $5–$10 USD depending on how you enter), and that’s about it. No long lines, no stress. Just another reason why figuring out how to get to Saba is more about logistics than red tape.
Quick Tips on Entry to Saba:
- Passport required for all international travelers
- No visa needed for stays under 90 days (U.S., Canada, EU, etc.)
- Arrival tax is small and payable in USD cash
- Customs is fast and easy whether arriving by sea or air
- Double-check your passport validity (at least 6 months recommended)
Final Thoughts – Getting to Saba Is Worth the Journey
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean that’s a little off the beaten path, figuring out how to get to Saba is your first step — and it’s honestly part of the fun. Whether you choose the quick but dramatic flight or the scenic (and sometimes choppy) ferry ride, getting to Saba Island sets the tone for the kind of trip you’re about to have: remote, raw, and unforgettable.
There’s no “wrong” way when it comes to how to get to Saba — it just depends on your budget, timing, and comfort with small planes or open water. What matters most is that you give yourself flexibility, expect delays, and let the journey become part of the story. Because once you arrive, you’ll see: that little island was worth every wave and every wind gust it took to get there.
F.A.Q.s About How to Get to Saba
How do you get to Saba Island?
You can get to Saba by either flying or taking a ferry from St. Maarten. The most common route is via a short flight from SXM (Princess Juliana International Airport) or a 90–120-minute ferry. No matter which you choose, how to get to Saba depends on your travel style and how much time you have.
What is the best way to get to Saba from St. Maarten?
The fastest way to get to Saba is by flying — it takes about 12 minutes and lands you directly at Saba’s tiny cliffside airport. The ferry is a more budget-friendly option, but it takes longer and is weather-dependent. Both are reliable with a little flexibility.
How long is the flight to Saba?
The flight to Saba from St. Maarten is around 12 to 15 minutes. Windward Express and Winair are the main airlines offering this route. It’s short but thrilling, and a favorite for those wanting a scenic arrival.
Is there a ferry from St. Maarten to Saba?
Yes, ferries run several days a week from St. Maarten to Saba, usually operated by Makana Ferry or The Edge. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re researching how to get to Saba and don’t love flying, this is your best bet.
How rough is the ferry ride to Saba?
The Saba ferry can be choppy, especially in winter or during bad weather. It’s a scenic trip, but definitely bring motion sickness meds if you’re prone to seasickness. Always check the weather forecast before booking.
What airport do you fly into for Saba?
Flights to Saba land at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, which is famous for having the shortest commercial runway in the world. It’s small, but efficient — and flying in is an experience all on its own.
Can you take a day trip to Saba from Sint Maarten?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Saba from St. Maarten, especially if you fly. It’s tight if you take the ferry both ways, but doable with early departure and evening return. Flights offer more time on the island.
Are there direct flights to Saba?
There are no international direct flights to Saba. You must connect through St. Maarten (SXM) and fly with either Winair or Windward Express. All routes to Saba start there, so St. Maarten is your gateway no matter how you get there.
