Whether you’re just hopping over from St. Maarten for the day or building a full Saba itinerary for a long weekend or week-long escape, this guide has you covered. I’ll walk you through what to do on a Saba day trip, plus share Saba itinerary ideas for 3, 5, and 7-day stays based on what I actually did while I was there. From hiking Mount Scenery to stargazing from a hilltop villa, you can scale this island experience to match the time you’ve got — and either way, it’s going to be worth it.
I spent a full week on Saba, and while I don’t regret a single day, I’d say five days would’ve been sufficient. That gave me time to hike almost every major trail, unwind in Windward Side, and fully settle into the slow rhythm of the island. But if you’re short on time, even a Saba day trip can give you a genuine taste of what makes this place so special. You won’t see it all — but honestly, that’s not the point.
Learn about how to get to Saba with this guide!
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Saba Day Trip Itinerary – One Perfect Day on Saba
If you’re planning a Saba day trip, know this: even with just a few hours on the island, you can still have a rich and rewarding experience. While Saba is packed with hiking trails, dive sites, and rugged charm, it’s small enough that you don’t need much time to feel its magic. A thoughtfully paced Saba itinerary can easily fit into a one-day visit, especially if you fly in from St. Maarten in the morning and catch a late afternoon return.
The key is to keep things simple. Grab lunch to go when you arrive in Windward Side, then hike up to the top of Mount Scenery — Saba’s most iconic trail and the highest point in the Netherlands. Once you’re back down, reward yourself with a cold beer, a snack, or a little café time in the village. This one-day Saba island itinerary captures the island’s core: quiet adventure, big views, and the kind of peace you didn’t know you were missing.
Learn about the best things to do in Saba for your itinerary here!
One-Day Saba Itinerary Example
- 8:30 AM – Arrive in Saba
Fly from St. Maarten (the best option for a Saba day trip) or take the earliest ferry. Flights are faster and smoother, which gives you more time on the island. - 9:00 AM – Grab lunch to-go in Windward Side
Stop by Tropic’s Café or Bizzy B to pick up a sandwich or wrap. You’ll want something easy to pack in your bag — it makes the perfect summit snack. - 9:30 AM – Hike Mount Scenery
This is Saba’s most iconic trail. The climb is steep and made up of over 1,000 stone steps, but the rainforest and cloud forest make it unforgettable. Plan for 1.5–2 hours round-trip, and enjoy your packed lunch at the top if the skies are clear. - 12:00 PM – Grab a cold drink or snack in town
After the hike, head back into Windward Side for a well-earned refreshment. Deep Dive Brewing Co. is a great option for a local beer, or stop into one of the cafés for something cold. - 1:30 PM – Wander Windward Side
Explore the village’s quiet streets, browse a few shops, or visit the Harry L. Johnson Museum if it’s open. Windward Side is tiny, but it has a lot of charm packed into just a few blocks. - 3:30 PM – Head to the airport or ferry terminal
Be sure to give yourself extra time — weather delays are very common when it comes to getting off Saba. - 4:30 PM – Depart Saba
Whether you flew or ferried, you’ll leave your Saba day trip with muddy shoes, tired legs, and a sense of calm that’s hard to describe.
Saba 3–4 Day Itinerary – For Hikers and Explorers
If you’ve got more than a day, even just a long weekend, Saba starts to reveal its deeper magic. With 3 or 4 days, you can move beyond Mount Scenery and take on some of the island’s lesser-known trails, explore The Bottom, and slow down enough to really take in Windward Side. This version of a Saba itinerary is all about active days balanced with slow, scenic evenings — no car necessary if you stay in Windward Side.
Learn about the best hikes in Saba with my trail guide!
I spent a full week on the island, but this 3–4 day itinerary covers nearly everything I did — just with less downtime. It’s built for travelers who want to experience Saba’s trail system in depth, soak up local culture, and end each day with a cold drink and a view.
Saba 3–4 Day Itinerary Option
- Day 1 – Arrive & Ease Into Island Life
- Fly or ferry into Saba and settle into your accommodation(Spyglass Villa for example) — Windward Side is the best base.
- Take a short walk through the village, grab dinner at Tropic’s Café or a casual spot like Scout’s Place.
- Relax on your deck, watch the sun set, and enjoy the quiet. This is what Saba is all about.
- Day 2 – Mount Scenery Hike + Windward Side
- Tackle the Mount Scenery trail in the morning — it’s steep, humid, and totally worth it.
- After your hike, have lunch in town and spend the afternoon wandering Windward Side or visiting the Harry L. Johnson Museum.
- End the day with drinks at Deep Dive Brewing Co. or a low-key dinner spot in town.
- Day 3 – Full-Day Hiking Loop Around the Island
- Start early and hike the full island loop: Mount Scenery trail > Elfin Forest Trail > Sandy Cruz Trail > Bottom Mountain Trail > Crispine Track back to Windward Side.
- This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Saba — expect 5–7 hours of rugged hiking through forest, ridges, and hidden viewpoints.
- Finish the day with a big meal and a well-earned relaxation back at the villa.
- Optional Day 4 – Explore The Bottom & Departure
- Spend your last morning walking through The Bottom, Saba’s quiet capital.
- Visit the base of The Ladder or just enjoy the peaceful streets.
- Depart via afternoon flight or ferry (give yourself plenty of buffer time).
Saba 5–7 Day Itinerary – Slow Travel Style
With 5 to 7 days on Saba, you can truly settle in and experience everything the island has to offer — and just as importantly, take your time doing it. This version of a Saba itinerary includes all the major hikes, optional diving or snorkeling, and unstructured time to relax, read, stargaze, or just sit with a view. This is where Saba really shines: it rewards presence, not productivity.
Learn more about Spyglass Villa in Saba here!
Staying in a place like Spyglass Villa or a hillside cottage near Windward Side adds a whole other layer to the experience. With this much time, you can split your days between activity and stillness — no need to squeeze too much in. Here’s how I’d map out a full Saba travel itinerary for a week of meaningful, unhurried time.
Saba 5–7 Day Itinerary Option
- Day 1 – Arrival & Sunset Wind-Down
- Arrive by flight or ferry and settle into your villa or guesthouse.
- Walk into Windward Side for a laid-back dinner and supplies.
- Unpack slowly, enjoy the view, and let island time begin.
- Day 2 – Mount Scenery + Windward Side
- Start the day with a hike up Mount Scenery.
- Grab lunch to-go or eat in town.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the village, visiting the museum, or enjoying coffee with a view.
- Dinner and stargazing from your deck = perfect end to the day.
- Day 3 – Full Island Hiking Loop
- Hike the full loop: Mount Scenery trail > Elfin Forest > Sandy Cruz Trail > Bottom Mountain Trail > Crispine Track.
- Bring snacks and plenty of water — it’s a full day.
- Back to Windward Side for a hearty dinner and well-earned rest.
- Day 4 – Recovery & Unstructured Day
- Sleep in, make coffee, read on the deck — no plans needed.
- Maybe wander back into town for a drink or snack, or don’t.
- These slower days are part of what makes a 7-day Saba itinerary worth it.
- Day 5 – Optional Diving or Snorkeling Adventure
- If you’re certified, this is the day to dive Saba Marine Park.
- Not diving? Spend the morning on a shorter hike like the Crispeen Track, or journal and relax.
- Have dinner out — you’ve earned it.
- Day 6 – Explore The Bottom + Final Wanderings
- Taxi or hike to The Bottom and explore this quiet, local village.
- Stop by the base of The Ladder or just enjoy a scenic stroll.
- Head back to Windward Side for one last evening view and dinner.
- Day 7 – Slow Morning & Departure
- Enjoy a long breakfast and final quiet moments at your villa.
- Depart with plenty of buffer time — flights and ferries are rarely on schedule.
- Leave rested, recharged, and probably a little in love with the island.
Tips for Planning Your Saba Itinerary
- Choose your transportation wisely — flights save time, ferries save money
If you’re doing a Saba day trip, fly in and out of St. Maarten (SXM) for max time on the island. Flights take 12–15 minutes and are the best way to make a short visit worthwhile. The ferry is more budget-friendly but takes longer and is more prone to delays due to rough seas. - Build in extra time on both ends of your travel days
Whether you’re flying or taking the ferry, weather delays are very common. Don’t book tight connections or make plans that rely on perfect timing. Give yourself breathing room — Saba rewards travelers who move slow. - Stay in Windward Side if possible
Windward Side is the most walkable and convenient area for accessing trailheads, restaurants, shops, and local charm. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best cottage and villa rentals on the island. For most travelers, it’s the ideal base for any Saba itinerary. - Bring real hiking shoes — the trails are no joke
Even the most popular trails, like Mount Scenery, are steep, rocky, and often wet. This is real hiking, not a casual stroll. Pack sturdy footwear, and bring a lightweight daypack for water, snacks, and rain gear if needed. - Plan meals strategically — dining options are limited
While there are some great restaurants (Tropic’s Café, Deep Dive Brewing, Bizzy B), many places are only open certain hours or days. Make reservations for dinner when possible, and grab snacks or lunch to-go before long hikes. - Don’t over-plan — Saba rewards slowness
One of the best parts of spending more than a day here is the freedom to do less. A perfect Saba itinerary includes unstructured time. Leave space to nap, journal, sit with a view, or have spontaneous conversations with locals. - Bring cash — but also check your cards
U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, and many places are cash-only. That said, some guesthouses and restaurants do accept credit cards — just confirm before you go. There is an ATM in Windward Side, but don’t rely solely on it. - Best time to visit: December to April for ideal weather, June to August for solitude
Winter is high season with drier days and better trail conditions. Summer sees fewer visitors — a great time for introverts or writers who want space, but be prepared for occasional storms or humid hikes. - Make your accommodation part of the experience
Staying in a beautiful cottage or luxury villa (like Spyglass) makes a huge difference. This isn’t just where you sleep — it’s where you drink your coffee, watch the stars, and take in the island’s stillness. Choose a place that helps you unplug.
Final Thoughts – Saba Is Worth the Trip, No Matter How Long You Stay
Whether you’re flying in for a Saba day trip or staying a full week, Saba delivers something most Caribbean islands can’t — space to breathe. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing less, more deeply. You don’t need beaches, big resorts, or flashy excursions to feel something real here.
This island rewards slow mornings, long hikes, and quiet moments on a mountaintop or a villa deck. No matter how long your Saba itinerary is, the time you spend here will stay with you. And honestly, one day is all it takes to start wanting more.
F.A.Q.s About Saba Day Trips and Itinerary Planning
Can you visit Saba for a day?
Yes, you absolutely can. A well-planned Saba day trip gives you enough time to hike Mount Scenery, explore Windward Side, and get a feel for the island’s peaceful pace. The key is to fly in from St. Maarten to maximize your time.
Is a Saba day trip worth it?
Totally. Even just one day on the island can be a standout experience — especially if you hike and spend time in the village. A quick Saba island day trip offers incredible views, nature, and quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
What can you do on a Saba day trip?
On a Saba day trip, most travelers hike Mount Scenery, enjoy lunch in Windward Side, and wander the village. With good timing, you’ll have 6–8 hours to explore. It’s a perfect low-stress day with high reward.
What’s the best Saba itinerary for a weekend?
A weekend Saba itinerary should include Mount Scenery, the full trail loop around the island (Sandy Cruz, Elfin, Bottom Mountain), and enough downtime to enjoy Windward Side. Two or three days gives you time to explore without rushing.
How long should you stay on Saba?
Three to five days is ideal for most travelers. That’s enough time to complete all the major hikes, explore the island’s villages, and spend a few slow mornings at your villa. A 5–7 day Saba travel itinerary works best for hikers, divers, and anyone who enjoys a quiet pace.
Can I scuba dive on a Saba day trip?
Technically, yes — but it’s tight. If you take the earliest flight from St. Maarten and book a morning dive with a local operator, it’s possible. But if diving is your priority, it’s better to build it into a 2–3 day Saba itinerary for more flexibility.
Is there a ferry to Saba from St. Maarten?
Yes, there are regular ferries between St. Maarten and Saba, though flights are faster. For a Saba day trip, flying is usually the better choice to avoid long travel time and potential delays at sea.
What should I pack for a Saba itinerary?
Good hiking shoes, comfortable activewear, a light rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug spray are all essentials. If you’re planning a Saba day trip, pack light but be prepared for a real hike and changing weather.
