funsue said:
My husband and I have been going to SXM for over 20 years and have never been to Saba. We were thinking of taking half a day to visit the island. Whats the best way to get there? plane/boat? And is half a day long enough ?
Do it and you won't be sorry. Saba is gorgeous and worth the time but I'm inclined to doubt that a half day is enough time to do the island justice unless you fly over and even then, for me a half day still wouldn't be enough. But I've come to live the beauty of Saba even though we're not hikers, divers or snorkelers.
Our first trip, like you - somewhere after twenty plus years of SXM visits, was done as a package tour via the Edge out of Simpson Bay. It was rough for some so if you're prone to mal de mer, do the wrist bands or whatever other anti sea sickness prevention you're inclined to use. Once there, we took a van tour of the island which showed us the sights with appropriate stops along the way for the highlights and for those who were hiking to hit the trailhead, and ultimately, a stop for lunch, in our case on the outside courtyard at the Queens Garden Inn. This was the part that convinced us we HAD to return and do the stay-over. Ultimately, our driver returned us to the pier for our return trip to SXM which, btw, was very calm and pleasant.
On our stay-over trip we flew since DH did not appreciate the Edge trip over and I will be the first to admit, having heard about the airport and the landing, I was white knuckled all the way but needlessly so. The Saba arrival and landing were a piece of cake and provide you with a little extra on island time so if you're skeptical of the boattrip, it really is a great alternative.
Things to remember re Saba include there are no beaches for most of the year so don't plan your day with that idea in mind; if you're planning on hiking bring a clean shirt for after the climb along with sturdy hiking shoes and a couple bottles of water in a backpack for the climb; your camera and lots of room on your memory card; and lastly, a basic idea of what the island is all about and what you really want to see before you go. It's not St. Bart's or Anguilla and nothing like either one but so very beautiful and worth experiencing at least once in all your trips, for sure.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visits and hope you do, too, if you decide to do it.