The 'Unspoiled Queen Of The Caribbean' Is A Gorgeous Getaway To Avoid Tourist Crowds

The Caribbean draws millions annually with its consistent appeal of sun-drenched shores, vibrant marine environments, and a relaxed pace that promises respite from everyday routines. Travelers flock to the well-established area where resorts dot the coastlines, offering creature comforts against swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Yet, among this familiar landscape lies an under-the-radar Caribbean island that preserves a raw, authentic version of island law, far removed from the bustle of mass arrivals, Saba Island.

Saba Island is a hidden hamlet, a compact volcanic formation spanning only five square miles with a resident count hovering around 2,000. It's part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and about 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten. Its geography centers on the dormant Mount Scenery volcano that rises dramatically from the sea to create steep and lush terrain. In order to get here, travelers need to fly to St. Maarten's International Airport, which is serviced by major carriers from Europe, North, and South America. From here, choose from a brief but exhilarating 12-minute flight on a small aircraft with incredible views of the island, landing on the world's shortest commercial runway, or ferry rides lasting about 90 minutes that leave for the island every Tuesday and Friday. 

The island maintains mild conditions year-round, and peak visitation spans mid-December to mid-April, coinciding with northern winters. June through November marks the wetter phase, with higher potential for storms. Saba's small scale means it's seldom overwhelmed by tourists, but booking ahead is advised, as there are only 124 rooms in total on the island. The island is busy during Carnival in July, on Saba Day in December, and during the year-end holidays when people try to escape the cold in the Caribbean.

Saba earns its designation as the unspoiled queen through its lack of mass development, maintaining an environment where natural features remain dominate views. Unlike surrounding Caribbean islands that are dotted with high-rise hotels and commercial hubs, Saba offers none of the above, no casinos, no chain eateries, no crowds. Instead, the landscape offers misty mountains, cloud forests, jagged cliffs, and secluded bays, all contributing to the timeless isolation that has shielded it from rapid modernization. With no beaches in the conventional sense, save for a seasonal black-sand strip, the focus shifts to inland and underwater experiences. 

Visitors encounter the essence of Saba through immersive activities highlighting the island's untainted state. The single winding road simply titled "The Road," is an engineering feat that took 25 years to complete. It connect four quaint villages: The Bottom, Windwardside, St. John's, and Zion's Hill, each characterized by red roofs and green shutters. Daily life here integrates a quarter of the population as medical students at the university, adding a subtle academic vibe without crushing the calm charm. 

Hiking stands out as a primary way to engage with Saba's preserved lands, with more than 20 trails catering to various skill levels. The Mount Scenery ascent, reaching 2,910 feet, the highest elevation in the Netherlands Kingdom, involves climbing more than 1,000 stone steps through dense rainforest, revealing incredible vistas and diverse plant life like giant mahoganies. Mas'Cahones Hill trail is a shorter route with rope assisted sections that leads to overlooks of the Windwardside. Tidepools Trail exposes ancient lava formations that pool with water and are filled with sea urchins, anemones, and fish at low tide.  

Saba's marine surroundings serve as a major attraction, drawing enthusiasts to its protected waters where diving and snorkeling reveal a thriving ecosystem, often unmatched in accessibility and variety. The island's volcanic base creates unique underwater topography like seamounts and pinnacles that support dense coral formations and attract diverse marine life. This richness stems from the Saba National Marine Park, established in 1987, that encircles the island and prohibits shore entries to minimize impact. The lack of tourists and protected land offer incredible visibility and healthy habitats. The park's management has preserved an area boasting more than 150 fish species, and serving as a sanctuary for larger marine animals.

Exploring the underwater world typically involves boat-based outings from the harbor through local guiding companies like Sea Saba or Saba Divers. There are over 30 scuba sites lying just offshore, with prominent spots like the Pinnacles — a submerged volcanic structure that rises almost 90 feet from the surface and is covered in colorful sponges and corals. Diamond Rock offers a similar experience with stronger currents, and Saba Bank National Park houses the Atlantic's largest submarine atoll, offering deeper exploration. Snorkelers should go to shallower reefs found at Torrens Point or Tent Reef, as snorkelers are advised to avoid these parts of the ocean. 

It's common to observe turtles gliding through the currents, schools of parrotfish and barracudas, stingrays, and occasionally sharks, dolphins, and whales. Vibrant clusters of tube sponges and encrusted corals create a mosaic of colors. The biodiversity thrives due to limited human pressure, and proactive conservation efforts of the locals. The only crowds you'll see are the schools of fish and colorful corals in abundance.