The Bottom, Saba: Suzzana Pinder, the travel Councillor famously known for exploring the underrated places in the Caribbean, went to Saba Island. Yesterday, on May 28, 2023, Suzzana informed through her social media account that she went to Saba Island, also known as the Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. The 5 square mile island is primarily known for its ecotourism, having exceptional scuba diving, climbing and hiking.
On her official Facebook page, Suzzana wrote, “Saba rises from the sea like a fairytale picture of a forbidden land. If there was ever a hidden Shrangri-la in the Caribbean, it is Saba.’’
Approaching in the early hours, the island appeared in the sunlight, which seemed like a big rock between the sea. Suzzana noted that the island is only 5 square miles but 3,084 feet tall; Saba is unmistakable, and approaching from the east, it looked impossible for anything to have been built on this sheer-sided rock.
After reaching the island, Suzzana observes that Saba is a special place, and the locals are proud to show off their tiny piece of paradise. Following a rather treacherous disembarkation into the dinghy and trip ashore, she and her companions were treated to a fabulous taxi tour.
The driver, Cuchi, was Saba born and bred and knows everything about the island. He was full of island tales and facts, navigating the narrow roads, seemingly oblivious to the sheer drops down the mountainside. He even introduced Suzzana to a part-time resident living between Saba and Chichester.
The travel blogger highlighted that the Bottom and Windwardside are like toy towns, with delightfully pretty white-washed, red-roofed buildings and shopping arcades. The roads are so narrow that it seems like one is being squeezed between buildings.Â
After exploring the island, Suzzana and her companions visited lovely little hotels and delightful restaurants in Saba.Â
For any visiting sailors, one of my new favourite anchorages is Ladder Bay. On the sheltered western side of the island, anchoring under the spectacular high cliffs with pelicans diving for fish and countless turtles is a magical setting.Â
Many people are unaware of Saba’s existence, and it is certainly not the easiest of islands to reach. Compared to other Caribbean islands, very few visitors visit this island. That’s why the people of Saba do their best to ensure a warm welcome to the visitors and make their visit so memorable that it will last a lifetime.
Although Saba has been home to hardy souls for decades, until the 1940s, the island was almost inaccessible, with everything carried up and down a steep stone staircase cut into the rock and boats only able to attempt approach in rare calm conditions.Â
A ‘new road’ from the sea was built in 1943, but with no port for shelter, it was still tricky landing supplies and transportation between the two villages of The Bottom and Windwardside, perched high on the top of the island, was also still along a steep mountain track.Â
Dutch engineers said it would be impossible to build a road between the villages and moreso contemplated building an airport. However, a local Saban decided to take matters into his own hands, undertaking a road-building correspondence course.Â
Taking several years and the help of many locals to hand build the road, it was finally completed in 1958. The Sabans also called in a pilot from St Barts to prove landing would be possible on their hand-flattened landing strip on a magma flow, the only flat part of the island, resulting in the opening of their airport in 1963. Saba Airport is today the shortest commercial runway globally at only 400m (marginally longer than an aircraft carrier).
