Practical Information

The climate on both islands is pleasant year-round, and nights can be cool. The summer months are hotter and more humid, and the peak hurricane season is from June through to October. Many people go to Saba in July for the Summer Festival, or in October for the Sea and Learn workshops which cover a range of ecological activities. In St. Eustatius the special days include Carnival in mid-July, and November 16, the designated Statia-America Day.

Getting There

The only way that Saba and St. Eustatius can be reached is by traveling through St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Winair operates several flights daily from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Martin to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) in Saba. It also has daily flights between St. Eustatius and Saba. Ferries, including the Dawn II and The Edge, operate on a weekly schedule between Saba and St. Martin/Sint Maarten. St. Eustatius can be reached via air transport on Winair, with several daily flights from St. Martin to Franklin D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX), daily flights from Saba, and a weekly flight from Golden Rock Airport (SKB), St. Kitts. Great Bay Express runs a ferry service from Sint Maarten to St. Eustatius.

Personal Security

Saba and St. Eustatius have a relatively low crime rate. However, petty theft and street crime can be an issue. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take normal precautions such as avoiding remote areas at night, locking away your valuables and making sure that purses are fnot easy to snatch.

Health

Considering the remoteness of the islands, healthcare on Saba and St. Eustatius is very efficient. For health-related emergencies, there are hospitals such as A. M. Edwards Medical Center and Queen Beatrix Hospital on both islands, which are staffed by local physicians. Both islands have hyperbaric chambers and well-stocked pharmacies.

Passports and Visas

For both islands, travelers need a valid passport and onward/return ticket. Residents of certain countries are required to obtain a visa to enter the Dutch Caribbean islands; for a list of these countries, it is advisable to consult the website of the tourism bureau. There is a departure fee to be paid just before getting on the plane to return home. The two islands have different departure fees and one can expect a lower fee if the final destination shown on the onward ticket is another Caribbean island.

LGBT+ Safety

Like the other former Dutch colonies in the Caribbean, Saba is an LGBT+ friendly destination. It doesn’t have a discernible gay community or entertainment spots but is generally welcoming, and there are a number of tour packages that are promoted to attract LGBT+ visitors. Locals on St. Eustatius can be less tolerant and displays of affection are not recommended. Same-sex marraige was legalised on both islands in 2012 however it is still opposed by locals on St. Eustatius.

Money

The official currency in Saba and St. Eustatius is the US Dollar (US$). There are no limitations on the import and export of currency. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted. ATM machines are available at the banks in Windwardside and The Bottom in Saba, and in Oranjestad in St. Eustatius.

Cell Phones and Wi-Fi

Internet connections are available at most of the hotels, as well as at Island Communication Services. Internet access is available at the Public Library and Computers and More. Visitors bringing cell phones should check with their service providers to determine if they will work and if they will be subject to roaming charges.

Getting Around

Taxis are the favored way to get around both islands, since there is no public transportation. Tourist desks at the airports can connect you with avail-able drivers, and the drivers in their turn give customers their cell phone number so that they can be contacted whenever transport is needed. Sometimes taxis can be scarce, so it is best to contact the tourism offices and make arrangements ahead of time.

Saba has a few car rental agencies while in St. Eustatius there are several, including ARC Car Rental, Brown’s Car Rental, Schmidt Car Rental, and Reddy Car Rental, providing small cars capable of navigating the narrow roads.It is easy to find your way, as there is only one main road on Saba, and a limited number of roads in St. Eustatius. Hitchhiking is quite common on Saba and St. Eustatius but visitors should be aware of the potential risks.

Visitor Information

Information on Saba can be obtained from the office of the Saba Tourist Bureau located in Windwardside and on St. Eustatius at the St. Eustatius Tourism Office in Fort Oranje. Both have their own tourist websites. There are tourist desks at the airports providing maps and brochures, as well as assistance with transportation.

At a Glance