Plan a CruiseSaba Cruise Port Guide
Saba is a charming, volcanic island measuring only five square miles, home to approximately 1,400 people. Due to its unique geography, Fort Bay Harbor is not a deepwater port and cannot accommodate large cruise ships. Instead, small luxury cruise lines anchor outside the harbor, and passengers are tendered ashore to spend a day exploring this remarkably safe destination, where hotels famously do not lock their doors. The port area itself provides a welcoming start with two bars and one restaurant frequently visited by both locals and tourists. The capital, The Bottom, is located about one mile from the harbor, accessible via steep roads.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival at Fort Bay Harbor, you'll find that transportation around Saba primarily relies on taxis. While The Bottom, the capital, is approximately one mile from the port, the island's roads are very steep. Saba has one main road, painstakingly built by hand between 1939 and 1961, which connects the airport to the harbor and passes through all four villages. Given the treacherous nature and length of this road, walking between towns is not advisable. Taxis can be readily called to take you from the port to any of the villages, including The Bottom or the highest town, Windwardside. When arranging a return pick-up, especially from areas like Windwardside, allow extra time as taxi drivers may not always be punctual, often optimizing their fares during the limited time cruise ships are in port.
Attractions and Activities
Saba offers a unique blend of history, rustic charm, and natural beauty for independent exploration:
-
Explore The Bottom: Just one mile from Fort Bay, The Bottom is Saba's capital and largest town, home to about 500 residents. It's known for its distinctive architecture, which has become a significant attraction. As the first village encountered on the road from the port, it's a great place to start, offering a glimpse into local life and hosting various festivals throughout the year.
-
Visit Windwardside: Take a taxi up to Windwardside, the highest village on the island. Enjoy a short walking tour of the town, which features a small mall with dive shops, an art gallery, several restaurants, and a supermarket. If time allows, explore some of the hiking trails that begin from the hiking center located at the town's entrance.
-
Discover Local Crafts and Scenic Views: Ask your taxi driver to take you by the church near the lookout over the runway. Here, you might find local ladies selling beautiful lace. This spot also offers a thrilling experience if a plane is taking off, as watching it drop off the edge of the runway and swoop out over the ocean is described as "heartstopping."
Dining & Shopping
At Fort Bay Harbor, you'll find two bars and one restaurant, popular with both locals and visitors. Just off the port area, local vendors often set up shops selling a variety of handmade treasures, including linens, intricate thread work designs, paintings, and wood crafts, making for unique souvenirs. For more options, a taxi ride to Windwardside will take you to a small mall that houses dive shops, an art gallery, several restaurants, and a supermarket, providing a broader selection for dining and shopping.
Safety
Saba is considered an exceptionally safe island; remarkably, hotels often do not even have locks on their doors. However, visitors should be aware that the island's roads are very steep and can be treacherous, making long-distance walking on the main road inadvisable. When scheduling taxi pickups, especially for return journeys, it's wise to allow extra time as drivers may not always be punctual, aiming to optimize their fares during the limited time cruise ships are in port.
Currency and Language
The official currency used in Saba is the US Dollar. English is the principal language spoken on the island and has been used in its school system since 1986.