The Arrival: Landing on the World’s Shortest Runway
I gazed out the window as our twin-prop plane approached Saba, a green volcanic pinnacle jutting from an expanse of blue. The landing felt more like an adrenaline ride than a typical airport arrival – Saba’s only runway is famously tiny, just about 400 meters (1,312 feet) long. At each end of the airstrip, sheer cliffs drop straight into the sea, leaving absolutely no room for error. The pilot expertly touched down and braked hard, rolling to a stop well before the rocky end of the line. I let out the breath I’d been holding and joined the other passengers in spontaneous applause. We had arrived on the island known as the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean,” and what an entrance it was! For those less thrilled by such extreme landings, there is a ferry from Sint Maarten – a 90-minute ride over open water – but I couldn’t resist the bragging rights of that spectacular flight.
Winding Road Up to Windwardside
Clearing the tiny airport, our adventure immediately continued by land. A cheerful taxi driver named Donna loaded our dive bags and set off on “The Road” – Saba’s singular strip of pavement that zigzags up the mountainside. This sole main road was hand-built decades ago by determined locals after Dutch engineers claimed it couldn’t be done. As we climbed steep 45-degree switchbacks, I marveled at their triumph: the road clings to forested slopes and offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. In just 15 minutes we ascended from sea level to around 1,800 feet, entering the quaint village of Windwardside nestled high on the flank of Mount Scenery. Red-roofed cottages peeked out from lush greenery, and the air was cooler and tinged with the scent of tropical flowers. Saba has no traffic lights and only a handful of cars; life here moves at a gentle pace on island time. We passed a tiny church, a bakery, and a cluster of gingerbread-style houses before arriving at our home for the week: Juliana’s Hotel.
Juliana’s Hotel sits on a verdant hillside in Windwardside, offering a tranquil retreat with ocean vistas from its poolside terrace. Each room and cottage at the property has its own unique charm, and the on-site bar and café create a convivial atmosphere for guests.
A Warm Welcome at Juliana’s Hotel
Stepping onto the grounds of Juliana’s Hotel felt like arriving at a friend’s mountainside home. The hotel is an intimate collection of rooms, suites, and cottages scattered amid gardens on the hillside. No two accommodations are alike – some are cozy garden-view rooms, others are spacious ocean-view suites, and a few are standalone Saban cottages with quirky names like Orchid and Flossie’s. I quickly learned that here doors are often left unlocked; crime is virtually nonexistent on Saba, so much so that some cottages don’t even come with keys. My room was perched on the second level of a wooden chalet-style building, with a breezy balcony overlooking the turquoise Caribbean far below. Inside I found cheerful tropical fabrics, locally made artwork, and a welcome note from the staff. After settling in, I joined my dive group at the Tipsy Goat, Juliana’s poolside bar. As the sun dipped low, painting the sky orange, we sipped rum punch and soaked in a panoramic view of the ocean and emerald slopes – one of the best sunset spots on the island. The atmosphere at Juliana’s was peaceful and familial; by our first evening the staff knew us by name, and we felt fully embraced by Saba’s legendary hospitality.
Island Life in an “Old World” Village
Over the next few days, we grew to love the laid-back rhythm of Windwardside. Each morning, the sounds of roosters and chirping tree frogs gave way to church bells and friendly hellos on the street. At breakfast, we feasted on fresh-baked goods and strong coffee at Tropics Café, Juliana’s open-air restaurant, which is a local hotspot in its own right. From our table by the pool, we could gaze past palms and hibiscus bushes to the glittering sea – a view stretching all the way to St. Maarten on clear days. The village itself felt like a storybook: tidy lanes lined with white picket fences, flowering vines climbing stone walls, and gingerbread cottages in reds and whites (many of which house small eateries, dive shops, or homes). We often wandered Windwardside’s narrow paths after dinner, enjoying the cool evening breeze scented with frangipani. In those quiet walks, it struck me how remote and special Saba truly is. This tiny island (only five square miles) is essentially the peak of a dormant volcano rising straight from the ocean depths. For centuries it was extremely isolated – before the harbor and road were built, Sabans had to scale a steep 800-step staircase from the rocky shore, known as “The Ladder,” to bring supplies up from boats. That isolation meant no outside interference; even today, Saba has preserved a safe, tight-knit community and pristine nature. Locals proudly call it the Unspoiled Queen. Story has it that back in the 17th century, Saba’s hidden coves even sheltered pirates on the run! Walking these peaceful streets with only tree frogs and the occasional goat bleating in the distance, I felt as if I’d traveled back to a simpler, more innocent era.
Diving Day by Day: Into Saba’s Blue Wilderness
As a dive professional leading a group of eager adventurers, I was particularly excited to explore Saba’s underwater treasures. We had 10 dives planned over five days, and each morning began with our team piling into the hotel’s shuttle for the short drive down to Fort Bay harbor. The ride itself was an event – descending the steep switchbacks we’d climbed earlier, with the ocean getting closer and larger around each bend. In the early light, we often paused to let roaming goats or cows cross the road, and we admired panoramic vistas of volcanic cliffs meeting the sea. By 8:30 am, we’d arrive at the tiny harbor, ready to gear up for our two-tank boat dives.
At Saba Divers, the crew welcomed us with easy smiles and a clearly well-practiced efficiency. The dive shop, run by a small team of expat instructors and local guides, had our tanks and weights ready on the boat each day. After a quick briefing and loading our personal gear, we were off into the marine park. Saba has over 30 dive sites, all protected within the Saba National Marine Park since 1987, meaning the reefs here have been preserved before any damage could occur. No fishing or anchoring is allowed; you must dive with one of the island’s licensed operators, which ensures both safety and reef conservation. As we motored out to the day’s sites, flying fish skittered alongside the bow and the green silhouette of Saba towered behind us – it’s a spectacular feeling to be heading out to dive with a misty mountain peak looming on the horizon.
A hawksbill turtle glides over Saba’s vibrant reef, surrounded by sponges, soft corals, and sea fans. The Saba National Marine Park protects a rich variety of marine life, from tiny critters to reef sharks, all thriving around the island’s volcanic underwater formations.
Our checkout dive on Day 1 was at Tent Reef. This site lies just west of the harbor, so it made for an easy first immersion into Saba’s waters. We descended to find a peculiar geological formation: an extended rock ledge starting in very shallow water (~15 feet) then sloping deeper as it stretches out to sea. In places the ledge is undercut, forming little caves where big gray snapper fish hovered warily. As we finned along, the ledge transitioned into a mini wall adorned with bright orange elephant ear sponges and feathery black coral trees. I peeked under a rocky overhang and spotted a sleepy hawksbill turtle wedged in for a nap – our first turtle sighting! Drifting deeper along Tent Reef, our guide pointed excitedly to a lump on a sponge. Upon closer inspection, the “lump” revealed itself as a well-camouflaged frogfish, its body a mottled yellow that blended perfectly with the surrounding coral. We were delighted – frogfish are masters of disguise and a prized find for critter enthusiasts. After a relaxing 50-minute dive full of macro marvels, we ascended with big smiles and stories already forming.
Over the course of the week, we explored many of Saba’s signature dive sites. A standout day was when we ventured to the northwest side, near an imposing rock spire jutting above the waves: Diamond Rock. This site is essentially a sheer pinnacle (the tip of which breaks the surface) ringed by a coral reef below. Dropping in, we felt a slight current, but it carried crystal-clear water from the open ocean. At 60 feet, the base of Diamond Rock came into view – and what a sight! Schools of black durgon triggerfish and big barracuda swirled around us, congregating near the mooring line. The pinnacle’s walls were alive with color: purple sea fans waving in the current and clusters of golden cup corals tucked into crevices. As we spiraled around the rock, a Caribbean reef shark glided by out in the blue, just on the edge of visibility – a sleek shadow reminding us we were not alone. In the nooks of the rock, our guide found banded cleaner shrimp and an octopus tucked into a small cave. Diamond Rock had a bit of everything: stunning topography, prolific fish life, and that exhilarating sense of being a tiny diver circling a giant seamount rising from the depths.
Nearby, we also dived Man O’ War Shoals, another favorite site consisting of twin pinnacles about 70 feet deep. You can actually swim figure-eight patterns between the two coral-encrusted spires, which is exactly what we did. The channel between the pinnacles was packed with life – I weaved through clouds of blue tangs and goatfish feeding in the sand. Crinoids and tube sponges sprouted from the rocks, and a couple of shy reef sharks passed by at a distance, only noticeable when I saw the quick, nervous movement of smaller fish heralding their approach. Man O’ War had a wild, untouched feel, as if we were adventuring through an underwater cathedral where large pelagics might appear at any moment. We surfaced to a calm sunny morning, everyone buzzing about the sheer number of species we’d just seen in one dive.
Another day, we turned our bow back to the western shoreline for a dive at Ladder Labyrinth. This site sits below the cliffs of Ladder Bay, the very spot where the old stone staircase meets the sea. Appropriately, the underwater terrain here is a natural maze of channels and swim-throughs formed by ancient lava flows. Dropping in, I immediately noticed the dark volcanic sand and huge boulders strewn across the bottom – the remnants of Saba’s volcanic past. We wound our way through gullies between rock ridges, essentially navigating the “labyrinth” that gives the site its name. Every turn revealed something interesting: a cluster of star corals here, a waving grove of garden eels over there, a lurking moray eel in a crack. Halfway through the dive, our guide motioned for us to pause on a patch of sand. He dug his hand a few inches into a spot of unusually yellow-brown sand – and yanked it back with a quick yelp (followed by a laugh through his regulator). When I tried it, I understood why: the sand was hot! Geothermal energy still warms the seafloor in spots, a subtle reminder that we were diving on an active volcanic island (albeit a dormant volcano). On this dive we also had some of our closest wildlife encounters. A trio of curious barracuda literally followed us through the labyrinth, practically nose-to-mask at times, as if escorting us through their territory. We also found an adolescent green turtle calmly grazing on algae on one of the rocks, utterly unbothered as our group took turns snapping photos of this graceful creature. By dive’s end, I surfaced near the cliff face and looked up – far above, the famous Ladder steps were faintly visible. It was humbling to think of the centuries of brave souls who had climbed those steps, and here we were, divers in the 21st century, exploring the otherworldly realm at their feet.
Across our 10 dives, Saba consistently delivered diversity: coral gardens teeming with small life, dramatic pinnacles attracting bigger fish, and volcanic features unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. We did a night dive at Tent Reef later in the week that felt like a scene from a documentary – fluorescent plankton sparkled in our lights, tarpon flashed by in the dark hunting silversides, and we spotted at least three lobsters out for an evening stroll. Every diver in our group, from the newly certified to the seasoned instructors, found something to love under Saba’s waves. The professionalism and enthusiasm of the Saba Divers crew made it even better; they gave thorough briefings, pointed out the tiniest critters (how they spotted those translucent shrimp I’ll never know), and always had a fresh pot of coffee and cookies ready during our surface intervals. By the end of our dive week, we felt less like clients and more like friends swapping dive tales with the crew on the dock.
Topside Treasures: Hiking and Island Hospitality
While diving was the focus of our trip, we made sure to experience Saba’s topside beauty and culture as well. On our “dry day” (no diving before flying home), a few of us decided to tackle the hike up Mount Scenery, Saba’s highest peak. The trailhead was conveniently right in Windwardside, so after a hearty breakfast we set off on the island’s most famous path. Mount Scenery boasts 1,064 stone steps from base to summit – yes, someone counted them, and my thighs can attest to that number! The trail climbed steeply through verdant rainforest. We ascended from palms and bananas into a cloud forest filled with mosses and giant fern fronds. A cooling mist drifted around us near the top, giving the hike a mystical vibe. Upon reaching the summit (at about 2,877 feet elevation), we were literally in the clouds – a doughnut-shaped cloud often caps the mountain, and it hadn’t cleared yet. Still, the reward was a lush, eerie cloud forest with twisted fig trees and orchids clinging to limbs. Just as we started back down, the clouds parted briefly to unveil a jaw-dropping panorama: we caught a glimpse of Saba’s coastline far below and the outline of neighboring islands Sint Eustatius and St. Kitts across the sea. It was a fleeting view, but enough to make the sweaty hike absolutely worth it. For those less inclined to summit climbs, Saba offers plenty of other walks – nearly 20 established trails crisscross the island. Some of our group later strolled the Sandy Cruz Trail, an easier path through jungle terrain where they spotted red-billed tropicbirds nesting in the cliffs and enjoyed views over the valley below.
Evenings on Saba were a delight for a traveling foodie. Despite the island’s tiny size, Windwardside hosts several excellent eateries. We made a point to try the local favorites. One night we dined at Brigadoon, a charming restaurant set in a historic Saban cottage just a couple minutes’ walk from Juliana’s. By candlelight we savored fresh seafood – I couldn’t resist ordering the famous “Shrimp Brigadoon,” a delicious sauté with scallops, olives and asparagus, which lived up to its hype. The ambiance was unbeatable: a century-old wooden interior, friendly owner chatting with patrons, and the feeling that we were eating in someone’s home (which, long ago, the cottage was). Another evening, we stayed on property at Tropics Café for their Saban lobster night. To our surprise, this casual poolside café served up one of the most memorable meals of the trip – freshly caught Caribbean spiny lobster grilled to perfection, paired with tangy homemade sauces. We dined under the stars by the pool, toes in the warm water, recounting our favorite dive moments as the Tipsy Goat bar next to us blended tropical cocktails. On our final night, we checked out the legendary Swinging Doors bar just down the road. It was BBQ night, which meant the expat community and locals all gathered for smoked ribs, chicken, and an impromptu jam session with guitars. In the low-key outdoor yard of Swinging Doors, we were welcomed like old friends. By trip’s end, it felt like everyone on Saba knew our group – that’s the kind of island it is. People wave as they pass, ask how your dive was, and genuinely hope you’re enjoying their island.
As I packed my gear on the last morning and watched clouds roll over Mount Scenery, I felt both relaxed and invigorated. Saba had been the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility – thrilling dives in the mornings followed by lazy afternoons in a hammock or wandering a storybook village. The island’s slogan could not be more apt: Unspoiled. There are no cruise ships, no beaches crowded with resorts, no noise except nature. Just a little green mountain in the sea, offering world-class diving beneath its waves and genuine warmth on its shores. I came to Saba as a curious dive trip leader with a checklist of sites to explore; I leave feeling like I’ve experienced a secret paradise that few others have. As our Winair plane roared down that famously short runway and lifted into the sky, I already found myself planning a return. Saba may be small and remote, but it makes a huge impression – one that calls you back, whether for the next big underwater adventure or simply to feel that unique Saban welcome again.
FAQ: Practical Travel and Diving Tips for Saba
- How do I get to Saba?
Saba is reached via St. Maarten, its closest travel hub. Most visitors fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, then take a 12-15 minute connecting flight to Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on a small local airline (Winair). The flight is an adventure in itself, landing on the world’s shortest commercial runway. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from St. Maarten to Saba (about 1.5 hours each way). The ferry operates on select days and can be a rough ride if seas are up, so consider motion sickness precautions. Flights are more frequent (usually daily) but have limited seats and strict baggage limits due to the small aircraft. Tip: Book the Winair flight well in advance and pack light – check weight restrictions for luggage, as excess baggage may incur fees or need to go on a later flight. - Do I need a passport or visa to visit Saba?
Yes, a valid passport is required since Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Caribbean. U.S., Canadian, EU, and many other nationals do not need a pre-arranged visa for short tourist stays. Upon entry you’ll go through a simple immigration check. Keep in mind Saba has a small airport and port of entry, so arrival formalities are quick and easy. Just ensure your passport isn’t expiring within 6 months of travel. Also have proof of onward travel. (Always verify current entry requirements before your trip, as regulations can change.) - What is the best time of year to dive in Saba?
Saba offers diving year-round, with relatively consistent water temperatures (77–84°F / 25–29°C) and visibility often in the 60–100+ foot range. The most popular season is mid-December through April, when the weather is drier and seas are calmest. This coincides with the Caribbean winter/spring dry season and is outside the Atlantic hurricane period. That said, off-season (summer months) can still be great for diving – you’ll find fewer visitors and lush green island scenery. Just be aware hurricane season runs June to November, with peak storm risk in August and September. During those months, there’s a higher chance of weather disruptions or rougher ocean conditions, but if no storms are around, late summer can have very calm, warm waters. Bottom line: December–May is the safe bet for best conditions, but Saba is divable all year. Always check forecasts; if a tropical storm is brewing, it’s best to reschedule. - What are the diving conditions like in Saba?
Marine Life: Saba’s marine park is famed for healthy fish populations and interesting creatures. You’ll commonly see reef fish (angelfish, tangs, parrotfish, snappers, etc.), moray eels, octopuses, lobsters, and often turtles. Reef sharks (usually Caribbean reef or blacktip) are seen on deeper or more advanced sites, and nurse sharks sometimes nap under ledges. Macro life is good too – keep an eye out for frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
Reefs & Topography: The underwater terrain is volcanic. Expect dramatic walls, pinnacles, boulders, and sand channels rather than endless flat coral gardens. There are stunning pinnacle dives like Diamond Rock and Eye of the Needle (for advanced divers) and shallower reefs like Tent Reef for any level. Hard corals are present but not as dense as in some other Caribbean locales – instead, you’ll see lots of sponges, sea fans, and soft corals painting the rock surfaces.
Visibility: Usually very good, often 80+ feet, especially at sites farther from shore or after calm weather. After heavy rains or swells, near-shore sites can get some reduced viz, but it generally clears quickly.
Water Temperature: Ranges from ~25°C (77°F) in winter to ~29°C (84°F) in late summer. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit year-round; in winter some people use 5mm or add a hooded vest if doing many dives per day.
Currents: Many Saba sites are well protected, but some of the offshore pinnacles and seamounts can have strong currents. Dive operators will choose sites based on daily conditions. If a site like Third Encounter or Outer Limits is too current-swept one day, they’ll opt for a calmer site. Overall, currents are usually mild to moderate, but it’s wise to have good buoyancy control and at least some experience with drift diving techniques, especially for the deeper dives.
Depth & Experience: Saba has something for all levels. There are shallow sites (40-60 ft) great for newer divers or check-out dives (e.g. Tent Reef, Torrens Point) and deeper sites (100 ft+) like the famous seamounts for advanced divers. If you’re Open Water certified, you can dive many of the sites, but you’ll get more out of Saba if you at least have your Advanced Open Water certification or do it on island – it allows you to visit the deeper pinnacles where the sharks and big schools often are. The dive shops typically schedule two-tank trips each morning, grouping divers by experience if needed so everyone can dive within their limits. Nitrox is available and useful to extend bottom time, given many of the best areas are between 60–100 ft. In short, beginners are welcome (Saba’s operators are very professional with teaching), but intermediate and advanced divers will truly fall in love with the variety Saba offers. - Which dive operator should I choose on Saba?
There are two main dive operators on Saba: Saba Divers and Sea Saba. Both have excellent reputations and knowledgeable local staff. Our trip was with Saba Divers, who were fantastic – very professional, safety-conscious, and also a lot of fun. Sea Saba is a slightly larger operation based in Windwardside (they shuttle divers to the harbor) and is also highly praised. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either; they communicate with each other and often coordinate dive site rotations so that groups aren’t piled on the same mooring. Consider where you’re staying: Saba Divers has a shop at Juliana’s Hotel (convenient if you lodge there or in Windwardside), while Sea Saba’s office is also in Windwardside and they often partner with other hotels. If you’re traveling with a group, reach out in advance – both shops can accommodate group packages. Tip: All diving in Saba is boat diving with guided dives (no independent diving due to the marine park rules). So, picking a dive operator is more about service and vibe since sites will be accessible via either operator’s boats. It’s a small island – the dive community is tight-knit and everyone works to make sure visitors have an amazing, safe experience. - Are there any extra fees or permits for diving in Saba?
Yes, divers must pay a Marine Park fee that goes toward reef protection and maintenance. As of now, the fee is around $3–$4 per dive per person (your dive shop will usually collect this and handle the payment to the park). If you’re doing a bunch of dives, some shops offer a weekly flat rate for the marine park fee. There’s also a nominal nature fee or environmental tax of $1 per person per night of stay on the island – this typically gets added to your hotel bill or collected when departing Saba. Aside from that, if you travel via the ferry or Winair, note that departure taxes may apply (often included in your ticket or collected at the port/airport, roughly $10–$20 range). It’s wise to carry some cash (U.S. dollars) to settle these small fees and tips for crew or staff, since credit card facilities on a tiny island can occasionally be down. - What is the currency on Saba and can I use credit cards?
Saba uses the U.S. Dollar (USD) as its official currency, which makes it easy for American travelers. Euros are not used despite Saba being part of the Netherlands. You’ll find that most hotels, dive shops, and restaurants accept major credit cards (Visa/MasterCard), but smaller establishments like local craft shops, taxi drivers, or the bakery might be cash-only. There is at least one ATM on Saba (in Windwardside) but don’t rely solely on it – it’s best to bring enough cash for your needs. Since it’s a small island, ATMs can occasionally run out or go offline. Bring small bills for tips and taxis. Prices on Saba are a bit higher than mainland due to everything being imported, but there’s no need for large sums of cash unless you plan on buying lots of souvenirs. Tipping follows a similar practice as in the U.S. (10-15% for restaurant service, a few dollars per tank for dive guides if you wish, a bit for hotel housekeeping at week’s end, etc.). - What other activities can non-divers or off-gassing divers do on Saba?
Despite no sandy beaches (Saba isn’t a beach destination), there’s plenty to enjoy topside. Hiking is the number one activity on Saba besides diving. The island boasts over 20 marked trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Mount Scenery hike is famous – climbing to the highest point in the Dutch Kingdom (and you get a certificate if you reach the top). Other popular treks include the Sandy Cruz Trail (a moderate walk through rainforest with great views) and the Sulphur Mine Trail (a shorter hike to some historic sulphur mining sites and sea cliff vistas). Guided hikes can be arranged if you want a local to point out flora and fauna – Saba’s nature is rich with plants, birds, and even wild goats.
Nature & Relaxation: Saba has a very tranquil vibe. Simply strolling through Windwardside or The Bottom (the capital village) is enjoyable. You’ll find cute churches, the Saba Museum in Windwardside (small but interesting local history), and some art galleries/shops. Saba is known for handcrafted Saba Lace and Saba Spice liqueur – you can see lacework demonstrations or pick up a bottle of the spiced rum as a souvenir. If you’re staying at Juliana’s, check out their on-site art studio The Studio for a casual painting or craft class. There’s also a glass artist (Jo Bean’s Glass Studio) in Zions Hill village who offers bead-making classes – a neat activity where you can torch glass into your own souvenir bead.
Water Activities: No beaches, but you can snorkel in select spots (Tide pools in Ladder Bay or at Wells Bay when seas are calm). However, snorkeling is not Saba’s strongest suit due to lack of shallow reefs accessible from shore. Non-divers can arrange intro scuba dives or get certified at the dive shops – the clear calm shallows at Tent Reef are perfect for beginners. And if all else fails, lounging by a pool (like at Juliana’s or Queen’s Gardens resort) with a book in hand, enjoying the perfect weather, is a pretty great way to spend the day. Saba is about unwinding and exploring nature, not wild nightlife or commercial attractions. So enjoy the slow pace and recharge! - Is Saba suitable for a group dive trip or families?
Absolutely. I led a group of divers with mixed experience levels, and Saba worked out wonderfully. The dive operators are used to handling groups and even fully chartering their boat to one club or shop. The accommodations on Saba are mostly small-scale hotels and cottages, which can often block off rooms for a group. Juliana’s Hotel, for example, is very popular with dive groups – they offer package deals with diving and have a variety of room types (from simple rooms to 2-bedroom cottages) to suit different budgets in the group. If you have non-divers or younger folks, they will find enough to do for a week between hiking, pool time, and relaxing – though Saba is best for those who love nature and quiet exploration. It’s not a “resort kids club” kind of destination, to be clear. Families with teen divers or adventure-loving kids would enjoy it, but very young kids might find limited entertainment. One thing to note: Saba’s terrain is steep; getting around involves hills and stairs, so it may be challenging for those with mobility issues. But for a group of fit, adventurous travelers, Saba’s uniqueness is a big part of the fun. And because it’s such a safe, friendly island, even a larger group will feel at home – you’ll likely know many of the locals by name after a week. - Any tips for departure day from Saba?
If you’re flying out of Saba, remember the altitude difference: the airport is at sea level, but if you’ve been staying up in Windwardside (~1,500+ ft elevation), you should allow some time after diving before going up and down from that altitude. Generally it’s not an issue if you follow standard diving guidelines (the altitude is modest and the drive is short), but just don’t do a last-minute mountain hike and a deep dive right before leaving. On the day you depart, plan to get to the airport at least an hour before the flight. It’s a tiny airport but flights can sometimes depart a bit early if everyone is there. They will weigh your bags (and sometimes you along with carry-on) – small plane protocol. Have $10 cash ready for departure tax if it wasn’t included in your ticket. The runway takeoff is as short as the landing, so expect a swift, thrilling liftoff. If you’re ferrying back to St. Maarten, check the ferry schedule as it usually runs only certain days; you may end up with a longer layover on St. Maarten if connecting to an international flight. Lastly, take one last look back at Saba’s silhouette as you leave – that little island has a way of capturing your heart. Safe travels and happy bubbles!
