Saba & Statia Travel Guide

Saba & Statia Travel Guide - Saba flag

Saba Flag


Saba & Statia Travel Guide - Saba flag

Statia Flag

 

Saba & St Eustatius (Statia) are islands that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are located in the northwestern part of the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean.

Helpful Info
Population – Saba 2,000 & Statia 3,200
Money – both use the US$
Language – Dutch, English
Religion – 73% Christian (with 47% being Protestant)
When to go – Dec-June is most popular. Summer is nice also, but a little hotter and more humid. Hurricanes most active Aug-Oct.
World Heritage Sites – 0 – None
Country formed – Settled by the Netherlands in the 1630’s they are territories to this day

Statia was first colonized by the Dutch West India Company in 1636 and between then and 1815 the island changed hands 22 times before finally being back in the hands of the Netherlands permanently. You might not realize it walking along the quiet streets today, but Statia was THE island for transshipments of goods….both legal and illegal. This is due to the central location in the Caribbean, neutrality, being a free port, and no customs. In fact, it used to be called the Golden Rock. It was also the first recognition of America’s independence by a foreign power. Of course, the British made them suffer for this distinction.

Saba & Statia travel guide - the Ladder

The Ladder on Saba was the only way onto the island for centuries

Saba was first colonized by the Dutch from Statia in 1640, but Captain Morgan evicted them in 1664 because they would not pledge allegiance to the British crown. After the island changed hands several times between the British, French, and Dutch for the next 150 years, the Netherlands laid final claim on the island in 1816 and have held it since. Due to the fact the island is surrounded by sheer cliffs it has no beaches. In fact, until 1972 the only way on the island was straight up an 800-step staircase called The Ladder. Another story is that “experts” claimed a road could not be built on the steep island, but a local figured out how to do it after taking a correspondence course in the 1950’s.

My Visit

Saba and Statia were two of the last three island I visited during my six-week cruise through the Leeward Island. I anchored the boat for four days in Statia and three days at Saba.

Likes, Dislikes, and Recommendations

Saba & Statia travel guide - Windward Side

One of the towns on Saba

Statia is a quiet island full of history. The anchorage is easy to navigate, if not a bit open to the weather. Town is split between Lower Town, which is one street and where the warehouse ruins are from the golden years, and Upper Town on top of the cliff. There are some pretty cool ruins around town and snorkeling the ruins in the water are cool. The hike up The Quill, a dormant volcano, is great. If you love quiet you will like Satia. If you need nightlife, then this is not the place for you.

Saba & Statia travel guide - Waterfront

One of the ruined warehouses from the golden era on Statia

Saba has four towns sitting up on the mountains and is about as postcard perfect as you can get. The diving around the island is supposed to be world class and the hike to the top of Mt Scenery is heart thumping. The biggest advice I have for anyone thinking of sailing here is not to. It is a great island, but I will fly there next time. The anchorage is exposed and the dinghy ride is long and wet!

Soon you can get even more helpful hints by watching the travel videos I made for Saba & Statia. Also, you can read what all I did there in my blog posts located below the video.

All Blogs From Saba & Statia

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