Saba : Best Caribbean Island

Saba: The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean

Known as the “Unspoiled Queen”, the island of Saba is a five-square-mile volcanic peak rising majestically from the Caribbean Sea. Part of the Dutch Caribbean, Saba is one of the region’s least visited islands—but that’s exactly its charm. Here, nature is preserved, life is quiet, and every visitor is treated like family.

The island’s landscape is dominated by Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Hiking to the summit takes you through cloud forest, rare plants, and sweeping views of the surrounding sea. There are 15+ hiking trails across Saba’s protected rainforests, all incredibly well-marked and maintained.

Saba also punches well above its weight in scuba diving. The waters surrounding the island are part of the Saba Marine Park, offering dramatic drop-offs, underwater pinnacles, lava tunnels, and healthy coral gardens. It’s a favorite for advanced divers seeking unspoiled reefs and excellent visibility, especially at sites like Third Encounter and Tent Reef.

What Saba lacks in beaches (there’s only one small volcanic-sand beach), it makes up for in community, safety, and authenticity. The villages—The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell’s Gate, and St. John’s—are charming and clean, with traditional gingerbread-style cottages and red roofs set against lush green hillsides.

There’s a tight-knit feel to the island. Locals are genuinely warm, and visitors often form real connections with shop owners, innkeepers, and guides. Accommodations include cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels, many perched on the mountainside with panoramic views.

Saba is ideal for travelers looking to disconnect, hike, dive, and experience the Caribbean off the tourist trail. It’s not flashy—but for those who go, it becomes unforgettable.