Guide of Saba

Saba is a 13 square kilometre island in the Caribbean; it is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas. Both English and Dutch are spoken on Saba as it was colonized by the Dutch 1816. However, English is the principal language, and since the 19th-century the school system has used English. Saban's are proud of their history of environmental conservation, calling Saba 'The Unspoiled Queen' the capital is called 'The Bottom'.

A brief history of Saba.

The Ciboney people inhabited Saba as early as the 1100s BC, later in around 800 AD, the Arawak people from South America settled on the island. Christopher Columbus is said to have spotted the island in 1493, but he did not land on the island due to the dangerous rocky shores. In 1632, a group of shipwrecked Englishmen landed on Saba, then two years later a stray Frenchman claimed Saba for Louis XIII of France.

In the 1640s the Dutch Governor of the neighbouring island, Sint Eustatius, sent several Dutch families over to colonize the island on behalf of the Dutch West India Company. The Netherlands eventually gained complete control of the island in 1816. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saba's significant exports were sugar, indigo and rum, produced on plantations by slaves brought to Saba from Africa. Later legitimate fishing, particularly lobster fishing became more prominent, and many of the island's male inhabitants became fisherman. At the same time, most of the women stayed on the island and produced "Saba lace", a type of Spanish needlework and it became an essential product for export. In fact, throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, the primary source of revenue for the island came from the lacework produced by these women. During this time the island became known as 'The Island of Women' as most of the men were away at sea.

In 1943 a road was built on Saba which drastically improved transport, which was formerly just on foot or mule. An airport followed in 1963, and a larger pier for tourist boats in 1972, therefore tourism increased and gradually became a significant part of the Saban economy. In 2004 a status referendum was held in Saba where 86.05% of the population voted for closer links to the Netherlands. So in 2010, after the Netherlands Antilles were dissolved, Saba became a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Things to do in Saba

Hiking up Mount Scenery is rewarding; it gives you great views over the island and takes you to the highest point in the Netherlands! The lava dome forms the summit of the island, be aware that this is a potentially active volcano and ensure you have suitable footwear. Saba National Marine Park covers approximately 5 square miles, so there is plenty of flora and fauna to discover for divers and snorkelers. Also, check out the Dutch Museum, housed in the home of an eccentric Dutch gentleman. It contains a plethora of items, including Bibles, rare books, china and furniture from around the world - some of which date back to the 1600s!

Beaches around the island

The coastline of Saba is mostly rubble and rocky cliffs that are 100 meters or taller with no permanent beaches, there are a few little bays and artificial beaches. The only natural beach on the island is Well's Bay, and even this isn't a permanent fixture! When it is intact, it is sandy and suitable for snorkelling. Ladder Bay is an anchorage on the leeward side of the island and to access the beach; you must descend a set of 800 hand-carved steps, locally known as 'The Ladder'. Before the Fort Bay road opened, this was the only way to get supplies in and out of the island! Finally, Cove Bay is a humanmade beach built onto the rocks. Its has an area of sand and some concrete.