If you are looking for a secluded hideaway with warm and friendly surround dings, than Saba is the ideal location for you! It rises steeply from the beautiful blue sea of the Caribbean and makes you feel as though you are far away from any cares. The island is home to four small villages and the people are so friendly they make you feel at home in there charming little communities. Saba has a beautiful landscape and offers as much below the surface of the water as it does above, with the Saba Marine Park being one of the best in the world. Though the accommodations on the island offer all the modern day conveniences, Saba makes it feel as if you have been transported back in time to a time when the landscapes were unspoiled, and the land was yet to be explored. This beautiful country with it’s friendly people is an escape unlike any other.
Beaches are not the main draw to the island of Saba, although the island does boast a number of water activities and sports, and offers amazing locations for diving and snorkeling. There are two traditional beaches on the island where visitors can swim and sunbathe, Well’s Bay and Cove Bay.
Travel & Transportation
Not having a large enough airport for international flights, all flights to Saba arrive from St. Maarten. You can also journey to Saba on boats from St. Maarten, as there are two ferry services that run regular routes.
No visa is required for US, Canadian, UK, or European Nations. All you will need is a passport valid through the duration of your stay. You also must have a return or forwarding ticket.
Languages Spoken / official language – Dutch is the official language of the island, but nearly every resident and everyone in the tourism industry speaks English.
Currency – The Island’s official currency is the guilder, but US dollars and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.
Taxes & Tipping - 10-15% is usually added to all bills, but tipping taxis and tour guides for excellent service is not uncommon. The government adds 5% room tax at all hotels and inns.
Electricity – Electricity is the same as the US, so all appliances should function without the use of an adapter.
Immunizations Health Issues - No immunizations are necessary, and there are no major health concerns.
Saba Marriage License & Wedding Requirements Information
In order to be married on Saba the following requirements have to be met, according to our civil code:
Registration & Notification of Marriage
This must be done in advance and can be done via e-mail: nelliepeterson_4@hotmail.com, along with a letter requesting permission to be married on the island addressed to the Lt. Governor of Saba. It should be sent in advance in order to secure a date and obtain all of the necessary information. The request to wed should be addressed to:
The Lt. Governor of Saba
Government Offices
Registration must be done before notification of marriage.
For the “Notification of marriage” both parties must submit:
- An original birth certificate mentioning the names of the parents, also whether the parents are living or deceased. Maiden names of “mothers” also necessary. Birth certificate should be no older than 1 year.
- An original proof of “Single” state, not older than 6 months.
- If previously married an original entry of dissolution of marriage is required (Divorce decree).
- Copy of passport.
- Request to be married, written or in person to Nellie Peterson Civil Registrar.
- Written request to be married somewhere other than the Government Building (if so desire), to the Lt. Governor.
Marriage can be performed in the Court Room at the Government Building or outside the Government Building. If the desire is to be Married somewhere other than the Court Room, a written request has to be made to:
The Lt. Governor of Saba
The Bottom, Saba
Requesting permission to be married at desired location outside the Government Building on the date of marriage.
Witnesses must be residents of the Netherlands Antilles. If the desire is to be married inside the Court Room at the Government Building, two witnesses are needed, if the desire is to be married outside of the Government Building six witnesses are needed. Copies of each witness’ Dutch identification card, or if of Dutch Nationality, a copy of Passport must be submitted.
Notification of marriage of residents must take place in person during office hours at the Census Office; Monday through Friday 8:30 - 11:00 and 13:00 - 15:00 hours. Non-residents not living on Saba can submit a written notification to:
Nellie Peterson
Civil Registrar of Saba
Census Office
The Bottom, Saba
Rates of solemnization of marriage:
Monday through Friday (during office hours) NAFl. 75
Monday through Friday (after office hours) NAFl. 100
Outside the office during office hours NAFl. 80
Outside the office after office hours on Saturday and on Sunday NAFl. 110
Marriage Book NAFl. 10
In the space of time between the date of notification of marriage and Solemnization of marriage, a wait of at least three (3) weeks has to be Observed.
All documents, requests and information listed has to be sent a month before marriage date to the Census Office.
Inform if Birth Certificate, Proof of “Single” state or “Divorce Decree” has to have legalization.
Nellie Peterson
Census Office
The Bottom, Saba
Netherlands Antilles
Tel: 599-416-3497/3311/3312
Fax: 599-416-3582
e-mail: nelliepeterson_4@hotmail.com
Information from: http://www.sabatourism.com/weddingrequirements.html
Tourism Office Information
Saba Tourist Office
PO Box 527
Windwardside
Saba Dutch Caribbean
Telephone: 599-416-2231/2322
Fax: 599-416-2350
Director: Glenn Holm
Other Saba Related Websites
www.travel.propeller.com/story/2008/03/23/saba-island-saba-tourism
www.travelandtourisminfo.com/Saba/Saba_Caribbean_Tourism_Attractions.asp
Climate Information (When is the Best Time to Travel)
Temperatures stay fairly consistent year round in Saba, around 80 degrees, but the evenings in the winter may require a light jacket or sweater. The easterly trade winds and the mounting create continually changing cloud movements. Temperatures are of course cooler at the top of Mt. Scenery. The weather is enjoyable year round, though most visitors come to escape the cold winters in other parts of the world.
The high season is Saba is the same as most Caribbean islands, from mid-December to mid-April, coinciding with the onset of winter in North America and Europe. The low season is from mid-April to mid-December.
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/saba.htm
Local Attractions & Must Do’s
You will want to check out The Bottom, the main administrative center of the island, while you are in Saba. This lovely little town has beautiful buildings and just a warm feeling that will make you feel as though you are set back in time. You can also find the island’s only gas station as well as the pier at Fort Bay, where locals go to swim, although there isn’t a beach!
The village of Hell’s Gate is visible from the small airport if you look up the mountain. It is a beautiful sight to behold tiny village homes dotting the precarious slopes. If you are travelling to the windward side of the island, the road will pass through this village. There is a beautiful stone church, behind which is a great place to purchase the famous Saba lace or Saba Spice liqueur.
For the more adventurous, you can clime 1604 stairs to reach the highest point in Saba, the top of Mt. Scenery. You will experience gorgeous views of an elfin forest and the best views available of Saba and the islands nearby as a reward for making such a strenuous climb.
At Ladder Bay you can see The Ladder, which is a series of over 800 steps hewn into the rock which used to be the only way to get supplies to The Bottom. Today the houses and buildings are abandoned, but you cans till walk the old route up to The Bottom, the same route the Queen once travelled before Fort Bay was enlarged as a port.
The Harry L Johnson Museum recreates the living quarters of this 19th century Dutch sea captain. You will see a lovely garden, a typical Saban period home, complete with interior décor and furniture.
On the Winwardside of the island, the Ecolodge Saba offers you your own private cottage where the rainforest will be out your front door, not to mention the fact that you have a beautiful ocean view.
Juliana’s Hotel offers you all the comforts of home with the stunning views of the blue sparkling ocean and lush mountainside. This beautiful hotel is a favorite among many who frequent the island.
The Queen’s Gardens Resort is the only 5 star resort on the island of Saba, and boasts 12 suites, a gourmet restaurant, and the largest pool on the island. All this is yours and it is located amongst the beautiful tropical forest overlooking the sea.
The Gate House is another favorite for seasoned Saba travelers. This hotel has a delicious restaurant and also offers dive packages to go along with it’s comfy accommodations.
The Willards of Saba is one of the most modern hotels on the island offering private balconies, a heated swimming pool, cable tv, hot tub, tennis court, and a small but amazing restaurant.
