Old Ross Alumnus, Planning Trip to SXM, worth seeing SABA?

[suktinder]

hello everyone...

flying to dominica and SXM for a trip. will be spending 5 days in sxm, is it worth it to take a day trip out to saba? is there anything wrth seeing from a tourist's point of view? if not would any of you guys recommend any other isnads to see around sxm? and also, are the sailboats that travel to saba from sxm that anyone knows about? thanks in advance...

[swinginislanddoc]

Well, I'd have to say if you're a hiker, diver, or snorkler, then yes Saba is definitely worth visiting! If you're more into cool little stores and walking by the water, then it's probably not going to be of interest to you - there are a couple of little stores, but nothing you probably can't get anywhere else. Saba does boast one of the highest peaks in the Carib, though, if you're up to hiking up it.

~S

[tampanian]

I lived in St. Maarten for a year and a half and traveled to the neighboring islands quite a bit. Saba is worth visiting as it’s an experience like no other. There is really no other island in the area similar to it. It’s very unique; small quaint homes that are all kept up nice, very vertical, beautiful vistas, great diving, very friendly locals, a small rainforest you can hike up to, even the flight in and out is a bit of an adventure. Hop on a Winair plane from St. Maarten and you’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Also, check out St. Barth's if you can. It’s the wealthiest island around and it’s beautiful and well worth seeing, but with more shops and restaurants. You can rent a car in Saba, I always used a cab when I visited, but if you go to St. Barth’s, rent a vehicle or mopeds and drive up through the hills…it’s very unique and a lot of fun. If you go to these islands, go by plane and avoid “The Edge” water shuttles (affectionately known as “vomit comets”). As for the other islands, they are all very unique and I found something interesting and fun at all of them, but I’m not sure they’re worth visiting if you’ll only be in St. Maarten for five days (three is you check out Saba and St. Barth’s). As for a sailboat to Saba, I have no idea as I never inquired about it, but I don’t recall Saba being orientated for a lot of pleasure boating.


Have a fun trip,

SMU-MS3