Day Trips from Saba. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Sint Maarten / St. Martin: The Dual-Nation Island

Sint Maarten (Dutch side) / St. Martin (French side) is the most common day trip or onward destination from Saba.

Visiting Sint Maarten independently using the ferry or flight is straightforward. Once there, taxi, rental car, or local buses (on the Dutch side) assist with getting around. Some tour operators in Saba may have specific packages.

Transportation & Activities

The Edge Ferry operates multiple times weekly between Fort Bay, Saba, and Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Journey duration: approximately 90 minutes. Reservations are highly recommended.
Winair flies short, scenic routes between Saba (SAB) and Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on Sint Maarten. Flight duration: about 12 minutes.
Plan for a whole day excursion, needing at least 6-8 hours on the island.
Activities: Duty-free shopping in Philipsburg, relaxing on Maho Beach, exploring the French side for food-related experiences, or visiting casinos. Discover and book day trip ideas on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes Beyond Saba

While Saba has unparalleled natural beauty, nearby islands present different ecological experiences.

Saint Eustatius Statia: The Historic Gem

Saint Eustatius, or Statia, is known for its rich historical significance as the "Golden Rock" of 18th-century trade and its diving and hiking opportunities.

Access & Time

Makana ferry connects Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. Consult their schedule.
Winair flights between Saba (SAB) and St. Eustatius (EUX) are very short, usually 8-10 minutes.
A full day suits a trip to Statia.

The Quill National Park Statia

A well-preserved dormant volcano with hiking trails leading into a rainforest-filled crater. This displays a different volcanic landscape than Saba's Mount Scenery.

Activities

Hike The Quill Park For unique flora and fauna.
Statia features distinct diving experiences, complementing Saba's pinnacles.
When planning inter-island trips, check ferry and flight schedules carefully. They might be limited outside high season.

Beyond the Immediate Neighbors

St. Barth St. Barts

Offers beautiful beaches and a chic European atmosphere.
Accessible by short flight from Sint Maarten.
A more expensive destination for beach relaxation and fine dining.
Not a core day trip, but an option for a contrasting experience.

Seasonal Phenomena & Beaches

Whale Watching (from St. Maarten): December-April provides organized tours to see humpback whales.
Sint Maarten/St. Martin Beaches: Numerous options for classic Caribbean sandy beaches, contrasting Saba's rocky coastline.
Things to consider by season influence activity availability.
Always confirm specific tour availability for seasonal events.

Logistical Considerations for Day Trips

Booking inter-island travelAdvance reservation recommended
Travel time between islandsPlan carefully
Local transportation on arrivalTaxi or rentals available
Currency acceptanceUS Dollar widely used

Immigration proceduresStandard requirements
Customs regulationsBe aware of limits
Local customsRespect island culture
Emergency contactsKeep handy

Travel Tips

When planning inter-island travel, carefully check ferry and flight schedules. They might be limited, especially outside of high season. Allow buffer time for connections.

Cultural Excursions

Discover the historical and cultural richness of the surrounding islands.

Oranjestad Statia

Explore the historical capital of Saint Eustatius. Oranjestad displays colonial architecture and significant historical sites relating to American independence.

Fort Oranje Statia

Visit Fort Oranje and the remnants of Statia's once-thriving trading port.

Philipsburg Sint Maarten

Walk the seaside walk, visit historical Fort Amsterdam, or explore the duty-free shopping district. The Dutch side of Sint Maarten combines historical context with modern commercial activity.

Historical Sites

Beyond Oranjestad, Statia has ruins of the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.

Additional Highlights

Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue Ruins (Statia)
Lower Town Oranjestad (Statia) for harbor history.
Hiking trails around historical sites.

Rural & Agricultural Insights

Statia, being less developed than Sint Maarten, has opportunities for quiet rural villages and a sense of Caribbean agricultural life.

Experience Local Life

Observe local farming practices.
Visit smaller, traditional villages.
Interact with local residents.

Multi-Day Extension Essentials

Saba-Statia-SXM TrioPopular for variety

Saba3-4 days recommended

St. Eustatius2-3 days recommended

Sint Maarten/St. Martin2-3 days recommended

Transportation between islandsFerries & short flights

Advance bookingHighly suggested for all travel

Planning Tip

Research boat and flight timetables diligently for island-to-island travel.
Flights between islands typically use small aircraft, check availability.
Ferries offer scenic views, though conditions might be bumpy.
Consider travel insurance for trip changes.
Pack light for easy inter-island transfers.

Multi-Day Extensions: Combining Islands

Think about combining your Saba trip with other islands for a more diverse Caribbean experience.

Recommendations for Longer Stays

1

Saba: The Unspoiled Queen

Focus on diving, hiking Mount Scenery, and enjoying tranquil island life.

2

St. Eustatius: The Historic Gem

Explore historical sites, hike The Quill, and enjoy its quieter charm.

3

Sint Maarten: The Friendly Island

Experience beaches, shopping, and dining of a larger, developed island.

Find and book multi-day excursions on GetYourGuide.

Recommendations for Adding Days

Saba-St. Eustatius-St. Maarten: A popular combination over 7-10 days.
Saba: 3-4 days for diving and hiking.
St. Eustatius: 2-3 days for history and nature.
Sint Maarten/St. Martin: 2-3 days for beaches and city life.
St. Barth: A short flight out of SXM for luxury.
Anguilla: Accessible from SXM by ferry for pristine beaches.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Fly into SXM (Sint Maarten). Spend a day or two exploring beaches and shopping.
Ferry to Saba. Spend 3-4 days for diving, hiking, and relaxation.
Ferry or fly to St. Eustatius. Spend 2-3 days exploring history and nature.
Ferry or fly back to SXM. Connect to your international flight home.
This island-hopping approach highlights each island's unique character.
Book inter-island travel well in advance.

Maximize Your Extended Trip

Travel Light

Easy transfers between isles are simple with minimal luggage.

Local Cuisine

Try local specialties on each island for diverse culinary experiences.

Early Booking

Secure flights and ferries, especially for peak travel times.

Regional Exploration Advice

This 'island-hopping' approach truly highlights the unique character of each island in the Lesser Antilles. Research ferry and airline schedules meticulously for traveling between islands. Flights between these islands are short but availability on small aircraft varies. Ferries are a scenic alternative.

Day Trips from Saba