Saba (hiking)

Saba is a destination that defies Caribbean stereotypes. A five-square-mile volcano jutting abruptly from the sea, it has no natural sandy beaches, no franchises, and no mass tourism. Instead, it offers active families a lush, vertical landscape often compared to King Kong's skull island. The experience begins with the arrival: landing on the world's shortest commercial runway or taking the ferry from St. Maarten. Once there, you enter a world of winding roads—specifically "The Road," a feat of engineering built by hand—connecting immaculate villages that look like they belong in a European storybook.

The main attraction is Mount Scenery. The hike to the summit involves over a thousand stone steps, passing through distinct ecosystems from dry scrub to a misty, moss-covered cloud forest. While physically demanding, the path is well-maintained and achievable for energetic school-aged children. Reaching the top offers a sense of accomplishment and panoramic views that are hard to beat. For families with younger children or those seeking a gentler pace, the Sandy Cruz Trail provides a flatter walk through the rainforest, rich with oversized elephant ear plants and harmless racer snakes.

Since there are no beaches, swimming takes place at the Cove Bay tide pools. Protected by a breakwater, this man-made lagoon allows kids to splash safely while spotting crabs and small fish in the rocks. Snorkeling is also excellent, though it often requires a boat trip to the protected marine park pinnacles. Back on land, the Harry L. Johnson Museum in Windwardside is housed in a traditional Victorian cottage and provides a bite-sized history lesson about the island's Dutch and pirate past that won't bore the kids.

Safety on Saba is virtually absolute; it is a community where doors are left unlocked and hitchhiking is a common way to get around. Families can participate in glass bead making workshops or explore the local arts centers in The Bottom. Dining is cozy and casual, often taking place on patios surrounded by tropical gardens. For families who love nature, hiking, and quiet village life over resorts and jet skis, Saba is a magical, vertical playground.