Saba Day Trip from St Maarten
St Maarten
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Explore the pristine island of Saba on this 8-hour day trip from St Maarten. With your local guide, board a boat on St Maarten for the 1.5-hour journey by sea to Saba, making landing at Fort Bay. Spend the day diving, snorkeling and experiencing the unspoiled natural surroundings on this remote island. Tour the island on foot, which includes moderately strenuous hiking, or by taxi.
- Day trip to Saba from St. Martin
- The Bottom and Windwardside
- Hells Gate
- Hiking adventure in Saba's rainforest
What's Included
- Round Trip Ferry Transfers
- Port fee
- Alcoholic BeveragesBeers, soda and water included on board
- Island Taxi Tour
- Lunch
- Hiking - optional
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off (Saturday through Monday)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Aqua Mania AdventuresBilly Folly Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Check in 8am on the marina of the Simpson Bay Resort in Pelican. Check in closes at 8:35am in order to clear Immigration.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Make your way to the meeting point in Simpson Bay to begin your eco adventure.
Board the ferry to Saba and enjoy being out on the open Caribbean during the journey, which takes between 75 and 90 minutes. When you reach the dock at Fort Bay, choose to explore the island on foot or by taxi. The walk from Fort Bay to the first stop, a village called The Bottom, is very strenuous, and it is recommended to hire a taxi. The views of the surrounding landscape and seascape from the Bottom are fantastic.
Hiking in Saba's indigenous rainforest is accessible through trails that start at Windwardside. Mt Scenery Trail is the most popular, and you can get a trail badge for a $USD3 donation to the Saba Trail Shop. You can arrange pickup with your taxi driver at a later time to return to Windwardside or the ferry landing at Fort Bay.
Stop at one of the small restaurants in Windwardside for lunch. Stroll through the quaint village, filled with whitewashed cottages, narrow lanes and very friendly locals. Peruse the few shops selling local crafts such as hand blown glass, jewelry and artwork.
At the end of your day in Saba, return to the ferry terminal to catch the boat back to St Maarten.
Board the ferry to Saba and enjoy being out on the open Caribbean during the journey, which takes between 75 and 90 minutes. When you reach the dock at Fort Bay, choose to explore the island on foot or by taxi. The walk from Fort Bay to the first stop, a village called The Bottom, is very strenuous, and it is recommended to hire a taxi. The views of the surrounding landscape and seascape from the Bottom are fantastic.
Hiking in Saba's indigenous rainforest is accessible through trails that start at Windwardside. Mt Scenery Trail is the most popular, and you can get a trail badge for a $USD3 donation to the Saba Trail Shop. You can arrange pickup with your taxi driver at a later time to return to Windwardside or the ferry landing at Fort Bay.
Stop at one of the small restaurants in Windwardside for lunch. Stroll through the quaint village, filled with whitewashed cottages, narrow lanes and very friendly locals. Peruse the few shops selling local crafts such as hand blown glass, jewelry and artwork.
At the end of your day in Saba, return to the ferry terminal to catch the boat back to St Maarten.
1
Aqua Mania Adventures
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
The Bottom
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Windwardside (Pass By)
3
Mount Scenery
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
4
Fort Bay
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- CHECK IN 1 HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. Check in starts at 8:00am - closes at 8:30am
- You MUST have a valid passport is required on the day of travel. Please note: Passport CARD are NOT acceptable.
- Taxi rides are available to the start of the hiking trail
- NB: the hike during this tour is strenuous
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 62 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Mandi_H
Awesome tour. I would do it again on another visit. My tour guide Michael was friendly and knowledgeable. It was definitely worth it for me.
Reviews
4.1
based on 78 reviews
Heather_H, Jan 2026
The itinerary on Viator was in reverse order and we did not have adequate hiking time. I booked this trip specifically for the Mount Scenery hike which was listed first - and said two hours allocated. Instead we first did the tour via taxi (some photo opportunities) - too much time overlooking the airport, then lunch and hike time. We didn't have enough time to hike and couldn't gage how much time we needed to ascend and get back to the meeting point. We got to 576 meters above sea level and turned around.
Lunch was absolutely the best lunch I have had on a tour. I wish I had my hike first and been fully able to enjoy lunch and the view and the people watching. The food and staff were terrific.
Chuchi was an entertaining and skilled driver; especially on those hills. This simply was not the itinerary described. We should have insisted to get out when we first passed the trail head.
We took the Edge II to and from Saint Marten - beautiful ride to Saba.
Sabe itself is like no place in the world - absolutely a must see in the Caribbean.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hello Heather,
Thank you for your detailed review and for highlighting so many wonderful aspects of your day, especially the lunch, the staff, and Chuchi’s driving.
We’re sorry for the confusion regarding the itinerary and hiking time. For guests wishing to complete the full Mount Scenery hike, it’s important to notify the driver at the beginning of the tour so time can be allocated accordingly. We acknowledge that this was not made clear enough and will be improving the wording in our tour description to avoid future misunderstandings.
We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad you were able to experience the unique beauty of Saba.
Diane_C, Jan 2026
This was an INCREDIBLE experience! The only reason I am leaving 4 stars and not 5 is because it was a little misleading that snorkeling would be an option. Truly this is the ferry over, taxi tour who is very knowledgeable and stops at a lot of beautiful places for photos, lunch was FABULOUS- 5 stars, time to hike (up a very steep trail) or shop in town then return ferry. Saba is unspoiled but an amazing experience. You won’t forget it!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Diane!
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very glad to hear that you had such a memorable experience and that the ferry, island tour, photo stops, lunch, and time exploring Saba all met or exceeded your expectations. Saba truly is a special, unspoiled destination, and we’re happy it made such a strong impression.
We also appreciate your comment regarding the snorkeling. We apologize for any confusion and will use this feedback to ensure future descriptions are clearer and more accurate.
Thank you again for taking the time to leave a thoughtful review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future!
Lisa_J, Dec 2025
The taxi ride may be a little much for individuals with anxiety, due to the narrow roads, dual direction traffic and steep cliffs with short concrete barriers. I am a seasoned traveler and was like “whoa,” at times. The views are amazing and lunch was very good though.
We thought our driver was a little disrespectful and overstepped his boundaries by basically telling us that it was ok for our son to be rude, because he needs to figure it out for himself. Overall, we are glad we went for the experience, but it was not our favorite tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and lunch, and that the experience was ultimately worthwhile.
Michelle_M, Nov 2025
The island tour with Rodney was very good. Interesting island history and beautiful scenery. Lunch was good and great service. 90 minutes ferry ride was good but if you get seasick, wear a patch.
It was a lovely day except for one thing which is why 4 instead of 5 stars.
We checked in on time but were given the wrong tickets. Luckily my husband noticed our ride was loading but when we tried to board, we’re told we were on the wrong one. They did straighten it out but acted like it was our fault despite them being the ones who made a mistake. I understand mistakes can happen but no one said sorry for the inconvenience. And we would have missed it if not paying attention. Loading is a bit chaotic and could definitely use improvement.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi there!
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the island tour with Rodney, the fascinating history, beautiful scenery, and the lunch.
We’re very sorry for the mix-up with your tickets. While the ferry boarding process is usually very smooth, occasionally mistakes can happen. We truly appreciate your patience and attentiveness in helping resolve the situation, and we’ll continue working to make the process as seamless as possible for all our guests.
We’re glad that overall you had a lovely day and hope to welcome you back for another wonderful experience.
Chris_F, Jul 2025
They cancelled on me the day before. We were really looking forward to this family trip and day before called and said boat not working. They should have had another boat option
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Chris,
We understand how frustrating it must have been, being notified one day before that the boat was canceled. We aim to inform our guests as soon as possible to make the necessary alternative arrangements.
Unfortunately, in this case, the issue could not be resolved in time, and we were unable to provide an earlier notice. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused and appreciate your understanding.
Elaine_L, Jan 2025
Approximately 1.5 hour crossing and can be bumpy. Tour was informative for history, scenery and culture. Lunch was at a lovely pool restaurant with a good view. Included a glass of wine. Pre-arrange for hiking and you will get a packed lunch to take with you. Drop by the Johnson Museum after lunch for a short, but fun, look at an original Saba cottage. Saba is beautiful! Well worth the trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hi Elaine,
Thank you for your review. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the informative tour and the beautiful scenery Saba has to offer. It sounds like the lunch spot and your visit to the Johnson Museum added to the experience.
While the crossing can sometimes be a bit bumpy, it’s great to know that the trip was worth it for you. Saba truly is a unique and special destination.
We hope to welcome you back in the future for another visit.
Mandi_H, Dec 2024
Awesome tour. I would do it again on another visit. My tour guide Michael was friendly and knowledgeable. It was definitely worth it for me.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Mandi,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciated Michael’s guidance. We’d love to welcome you back on your next visit!
Genevieve_T, Dec 2024
What a wonderful tour of Saba. Our taxi driver Michael was perfect. We really appreciated the small group and the lunch in a very nice restaurant. We recommand this excursion. Saba is spectacular.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Genevieve,
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour of Saba, the small group setting, and the lunch experience. Michael will be delighted to hear your praise. Saba truly is spectacular, thank you for recommending the excursion!
Anonymous, Aug 2024
A different kind of experience. Small island with beautiful views of mountains and towns.
The boat ride was rough with the water. You can barely stand. The staff was very nice they try to get everything you need so you don’t need to stand up.
The food was excellent, they give you choices. We had fish. It was delicious. We order ( not included in the free meal ) rum and raisin ice cream. The best we ever had. Unique flavor.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Anony,
Thank you for your fabulous review!
Sorry to hear the boat ride was a bit bumpy, but we’re thrilled our staff could make things easier for you. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on Saba and enjoyed the stunning views! Hope you’ll join us again for another fun adventure to our neighboring islands.
Johannes_M, May 2024
Excellent trip. Beautiful island, great tour, nice guide, excellent lunch and nice passport stamp for a souvenir.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hi Johann,
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every slice of Saba on your last trip with us. Can't wait to welcome you back onboard the Edge.
Claudia_p, Apr 2024
The process of checking passports to leave st. Maarten took so long we didn’t get to Saba until 11:30. Wasn’t enough time to do the full hike. We had the impression we would also have the opportunity to snorkel, as in the description of the tour it states “ Spend the day diving, snorkeling and experiencing the unspoiled natural surroundings on this remote island”. We did NOT snorkel or swim. We were taken around the island by taxi and shown some places, had a couple of stops for photos, and had to meet back at 3:15 after lunch. It’s NOT 8 hours on the island, more like 8 hours when you’re
Meant to be at the police station in Simpson bay, till you return. Not worth it. Fly over, do your own thing is what I’d recommend.
Three starts cause the taxi driver was nice and the boat crew were incredibly attentive and caring.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Claudia,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We provide ferry service to Saba, offering daytrip ferry tickets that include lunch and a tour package or solo hike package. If you're an avid hiker, you can spend the day trekking through the lush rainforest, or if diving is your passion, you can opt for a day of underwater exploration. Due to time constraints, it's challenging to fit everything in one day, but we do offer one-way tickets as well.
We do apologize for the delay and extended the return check-in time to 4pm due to unforeseen staffing shortages. However, we're glad you had a great experience with our boat crew and friendly taxi driver. Cheers to future island explorations!
Tedd_P, Dec 2023
Trip was cancelled because of bad sea conditions for the ferry ride to Saba, but was rescheduled 3 days later and we went. The ride over was wavy, but certainly OK. The taxi tour guide was ready upon arrival and off we went after clearing immigration. Mike was an excellent host, guide and driver on very challenging roads. DO NOT rent a car - it takes local knowledge and skill to negotiate the narrow, rock walled streets!! We had a great tour, wonderful lunch at Julianna's Hotel (included), and time to visit a few shops and grocery stores to get a flavor of the incredibly friendly island's culture. The island is much more diverse and picturesque than we could have imagined, and recommend a visit to everyone! The ferry ride back was a bit harrowing as the seas had grown much more rough during the day. The locals on the ferry took it in stride, and we got used to it in time. It takes 90 minutes for the transit under normal conditions, but our trip back took almost 2 hours as the captain had to throttle up and down to avoid slamming into the hills and valleys of the waves. Quite a memory! Communications from the tour operator were excellent throughout.
Caroline_T, Aug 2023
Everything was wonderful. The captain, the tour guide, the lunch was amazing, and even the Karen on out tour. You can even go for a swim at the restaurant if you bring a bathing suit. We had ours.
Jacqueline_B, Dec 2022
Saba maybe an unknown island treasure, governed by the Dutch speaking Dutch and English. It’s unbelievable traveling this path of the world natural beauty, with an uphill terrain, hiking enthusiasts dream, a man made narrow road that was told took about 20 yrs to complete, friendly and stress free people & lifestyle also had great food at Juliana’s restaurant. Our tour guide (a male native as I don’t remember his name)was knowledgeable and an excellent/skillful driver…I would highly recommend…FYI you have to check in at immigration/customs to get your passport stamped, there are hotels etc and point of note it’s not a long tour as this is a very small island about 5 miles but trip worthy…well done viator.
Katherine_H, Dec 2022
A day trip by ferry; A tremendous lunch at a great restaurant! Taxi ride around the island or hiking if you prefer.
Vicki_B, Nov 2022
It advertised trails, hiking.... we never did that. We just rode around in the van all day. Did a little shopping.
Teddence_B, Jun 2022
The very hilly and narrow streets. Not much to do on this trip. I felt it was an overpriced bus ride.
Enjoyed the meal at Julianna’s.
There were no hiking or beach trip as described in the promotion. Just a drive around the island.
Claire_F, Feb 2022
I needed to get home to Saba from St Maarten. All the flights were booked. So I had to pay $160 for a trip that should have cost $80 because I obviously did not take the return trip. Not happy.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
HI Claire, I'm not too sure why you booked this daytrip package on Viator's webiste when you only needed to go one way. We offer one way tickets but you booked on a daytrip platform. The difference of your booking will be refunded. Cathy
Lucien_B, Feb 2020
Indications as to where boat leaves are completely misleading, as you need to check in at the Dutch Coast Guard in St. Maarten and not with the company. Boarding area is rather minimalistic. Otherwise crossing is fine, if you don’t mind rough seas. On time departure/arrival are appreciated.
Vicky_P, Mar 2019
This was an amazing experience! We climbed Mt Scenary and touched the clouds!
We then had a very good meal in the little village of Wynward.
Will try to come back for sure !
Srinivasa S, Mar 2018
Nice way to quickly see Saba. You have more than enough time to climb Mt Saba in the process.
Edward B, Aug 2017
Unfortunately we chose to go on a day that started with 10 -12 foot swells so a few people got seasick on the way and a lot more on the way back. The Captain and crew were great , very competent and a good supply of cold drinks. The 90min trip was over 120 both ways but most likely due to the sea conditions. We had not booked a taxi tour but there were some at the pier to pick up people like us. The views were spectacular, with clouds streaming by you as you take pictures,. Great location if you like hiking and are fit enough to enjoy. The food was good and good selection. All in all a great day. I would mention that people can book a taxi tour or offer as part of this package - just makes it a little easier. The people of Saba were great had a lovely day.
jos, Jul 2017
great trip ,saw dolphins following boat,roads are very steep and cars pass at scary rates,but views are stunning.
Laura S, Mar 2017
Staying in Saba instead of St. Maarten next year. This place is straight out of a fairytale. It's a must see.
Susan L, Mar 2016
The island is a beautiful place, quiet and quaint. The hike up Mt. Scenery was more strenuous than I had anticipated, but it was a great experience. The vegetation and views were amazing and you feel great after a workout. The ferry ride was VERY rough, but that was due to an unusually windy day and the ferry captain was very capable and got us back safely.
Marianna Ael P, May 2015
Saba is worth to see, but the speedboat jumping on huge ocean waves for more then an hour wasn't merciful enough to half of us... Even for those who think they are super - sailors ... I mean who used to think so:)))
Kim29, Mar 2015
Our group stayed at Simpson Bay resort so it was easy to locate the meeting point to hop unto The Edge to make our way to Saba. 5 of us boarded at 9am for a rather rough ride to Saba. About an hour and 20 minutes later with shaky feet and butterflies in our tummy was made it on land to Saba for a quick stop at immigration to get our passports stamped. We were immediately intrigued by the volcanic looking rock and ran over to take pictures by the welcome to Saba wall mural. We had arrange for a local driver Ms. Gloria to be our Island guide for the day. She gave us a quick tour of the various villages then dropped us off at a starting point to hike to the top of Mount Scenery. Only through much determination did we make the back breaking trek to the top. We were in various stages of fitness and some in the group were hikers, but we were not quite prepared for the steep incline and heat. However all pain and heart palpitations aside...the view at the top is to die for...technically we felt like near death lol by the time we made it. So worth it thou to be in the clouds, gorgeous views! Made it back down in time to make a quick snack stop, get some souvenirs and our certificate of achievement-proof we made it to the top from the Saba Tourist center. Made it back to the boat for the 3:30pm departure. The ride back was horrid with even rougher seas and quite a few people got sick. I spent the whole ride cursing and praying at the same time. Forces of nature. Aside from the boat ride, the trip was wonderful. Nature lovers and hikers this is a must do or if you are just looking to get away to a quite Island for the day the trip is most definitely worth it.
Anthony B, Feb 2015
The day we went the ocean was very rough, My wife got seasick on the return trip to St. Martin. Saba is a very fascinating island. The crew however was very rude.
Kelsey S, Jan 2015
The waves were crazy and the boat was all over the place. We didn't worry about the safely, more so about not losing our stomachs. The crew hands out a beverage but then want to be tipped out no matter if you have a beverage or not. No beaches. Just good for hiking and riding in a taxi across villages
Zack J, Jul 2014
The island of Saba is impressive; however the 90 minute ferry ride in rough seas made most travelers sea sick.
The "hike" is more like climbing the Washington Monument with no visibility to the great views available elsewhere on the island.
Tropics Cafe was a refuge!!
From $160.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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