General Island Information
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Art
Saba has acquired quite an artist community over the last few years. The Five Square Gallery strives to bring the best in Caribbean art and in particular Saban art, to the residents of and visitors to Saba. They offer original paintings, giclées, prints, sculptures, carvings and folk art. Gersh and Emily are there to welcome you every Monday to Saturday from 9am until 6pm and on Sundays from 12 noon until 3pm. |
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Banking
The official currency is the US Dollar ($). Travelers Cheques and US dollars, as well as major credit cards, are widely accepted. There is one branch bank on Saba open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. There are two ATM machines on the island, one is located in Windwardside at the RBC Bank next to the Post Office, and the other is located in The Bottom at WIB next to the Saba Electric Building. |
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Bird Watching
A good pair of binoculars and a guidebook are essential and will aid in enhancing your birding experience. You can find out more about bird watching here. |
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Car Rental
If you would like to rent a vehicle, please notify Juliana's Front Desk and we will make all the necessary arrangements for you. Find out about rental agencies and prices. |
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Diving and Snorkeling Equipment
If you decided not to bring along your dive/snorkel equipment, you can be assured that each dive shop will have everything you need. Image of Sea Scouts (Saba Conservation Foundation) jumping in the pond at Cove Bay |
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Electricity
US Standard, 110 volts. An adapter can be provided if you have equipment that requires a 220 volt power supply. Note that most laptops and phone chargers can work at US standard voltage. |
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Eyewear and Care
Bright sunny days necessitate sunglasses. Lens lubricant for some contact lens wearers may not be readily available on the island. If you’ve forgotten your eye lubricant or wetting lotion, please stop by our Eye Care Optical Saba. |
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Festivities
Saba Day: 1st weekend in December. Sea and Learn: Sea & Learn on Saba is a non-profit foundation that sponsors a month-long event founded by the island government and regional businesses. Throughout the entire month of October a variety of naturalists, scientists and academics in fields ranging from marine biology to meteorology to geology provide casual but informative multi-media presentations. In addition to nightly presentations, you are invited to join field/research projects or assist in nature surveys conducted throughout the event. These same experts also work with Saba’s school children to ensure the next generation continues to have appreciation for the nature of Saba. These events are open to the public and free of charge. Saba Summer Festival: Better known as Carnival, is scheduled during July. |
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Footwear
Make sure you wear your hiking boots or hard rubber-soled shoes for hiking and sandals for leisure walking. |
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Holidays (Public)
New Years Day (Jan 1) Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday King’s Birthday (April 27), Labor Day Ascension Day Pentecost Carnival Monday (First Monday after Carnival finale) Saba Day (First Friday of December) Christmas Boxing Day (Dec 25 - 26) |
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Language
Officially Dutch, but English is the common language of communication. You may also encounter some Spanish, French, German, or even Papiamentu. |
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Local Supermarkets
Looking for some groceries or some fresh fruits and vegetables? There are 4 “larger” markets located on Saba, 2 in Windwardside and 2 in The Bottom. Big Rock Phone: 599-416-2280 Location: Windwardside Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 8:00am - 7:00pm D&A Supermarket Phone: 599-416-2260 Location: Windwardside Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 8:00am - 8:00pm My Store Supermarket Phone: 599-416-3263 Location: The Bottom Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 8:00am – 6:00pm Sunday till 2 pm Saba Emporium Location: The Bottom Opening Hours: Monday- Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm Sunday 8:00am – 4:00pm |
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Mail & Postcards
If you decide to send that loved one back home a postcard of Saba, take note that it will take approximately two-three weeks when marked airmail. Federal Express and DHL are also available. |
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Medical Facilities
A.M. Edwards Medical Center (phone 599-416-3288 or 3289) Two Resident Doctors and a team of Registered Nurses oversee the medical facility. |
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Population
Between 1,500 and 2000 people, and of this number approximately 500 are medical students and faculty. The remainder constitutes the local population. |
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Real Estate
Fell in love with our island and looking forward to purchasing your own piece of paradise? There are two real estate companies on the island. Saba Island Properties Contact: Albert Pensis - Michael Feeley Phone: +599 416-2777 Skpe: 631-604-4435 Web: sabaislandproperties.com Email: info@sabaislandproperties.com Saba Island Premier Properties Contact Mark Johnson Phone: + 599 416 6150 Web: sabaislandpremierproperties.com Email:info@sabaislandpremierproperties.com |
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Religious Services
Anglican Churches: Holy Trinity Church, Windwardside (minutes from the hotel) Christ Church, The Bottom Church of Latter Day Saints: Roman Catholic Churches: Holy Rosary Church, Hell's Gate Church of St. Paul's Conversion, Windwardside (minutes from the hotel) Sacred Heart Church, The Bottom Saba Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses: Jehovah Witnesses, Windwardside (minutes uphill from the hotel) The Wesleyan Holiness: The Wesleyan Holiness Church, The Bottom Seventh Day: Seventh Day Adventist: The Bottom If you’d like to attend service at any one of the above churches, please stop by the Juliana's Hotel Front Desk and we can inquire as to when a suitable service is scheduled. Sacred Heart Church “Sistine Chapel” Saba has its own version of the Sistine Chapel created by resident artist Heleen Cornet in the Sacred Heart Church in the village of The Bottom. This project took over 2 years to complete. While strolling through this village don’t forget to stop by and see this beautiful site or ask your friendly taxi driver to point it out to you if you’re on an island tour. |
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Saba Archaeological Center (SABARC) or Saba Heritage Center
SABARC offers guided historical tours of the villages of Windwardside and The Bottom. While Saba may be famous for its hiking and diving, its history is just as fascinating. Saba was famous for its sailors, captains, and shipbuilding, and several sugar, indigo, and coffee plantations were found across the island up to the early 1800's. Come and experience Saba's rich history as told through Windwardside and The Bottom. Tours take one hour. |
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Saba Conservation Foundation
Established in 1987, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) is a non-governmental organization with a mission to preserve and manage Saba’s natural and cultural heritage. It is committed to the belief that a stronger island economy will result from the sustainable use of Saba’s rich and virtually unspoiled natural resources. In order to achieve its goals, the SCF promotes the development of parks and protected areas, manages a network of hiking trails, mooring systems, and promotes supportive scientific research and education. You can visit them at one of their two locations to find out more about the island and the foundation: The Trail shop Windwardside Tel 416-2630 Mon 1 – 4, Tue & Thur 9 – 2:30, Wed & Fri 9 – 4:30, Sat & Sun 10:30 – 2:30 Visitor Center Fort Bay, Tel 416-3295 Open Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm Saturday 10 am – 2pm (Nov – May only) |
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Shopping
Whether spoiling yourself or getting that special gift for friends and family back home, the Main Street in Windwardside offers a selection of quaint shops where you will find some form of souvenir to remember your trip. Just minutes away from Juliana’s you’ll find Everyt’ings, Five Square Gallery, Jewel Cottage, Kakona Saba, and The Trail Shop. Each one offers its own unique selections of jewelry, gifts, oddments, and pretties. Don’t forget to visit Jo Bean’s Glass Studio at Booby Hill, with its vast selection of jewelry and specialty items. You can also sign up for a glass blowing class, where you can create your own unique piece! If you’re looking for something to wear, Windwardside offers a selection of shops such as Sea Saba Dive Center where you can find an array of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. The Artisan Foundation in The Bottom sells locally printed fabrics, Saba Lace and Saba Spice. |
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Sunscreens and Lotions
It’s necessary to protect your skin from the sun’s strong ultraviolet rays. In case you forgot to pack the sunscreen, at Tropics Café offers Sunscreen and After Sun Rescue poolside from Saban Rock Living by HandVmade. It’s Saban Aloe Vera based, all natural and made on Saba. |