Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean: The Unspoiled Queen
I was somewhere around the Windward Islands, halfway through my last rum and Coke, when the enchanting beauty of Saba Island loomed into view. Rising from the depths of the Caribbean Sea, the volcanic island whispers tales of untamed wilderness, captivating mountaintops, and a plethora of aquatic life waiting to be explored.Getting There: A Leap of FaithHow does one reach the unspoiled paradise that is Saba? Is it by way of storm-tossed dinghy or by strapping oneself to the back of a sea turtle? Nay, my friends, it is through the aptly named Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, a stretch of runway so short it could give a nervous flier sleepless nights.As the airplane prepares to touch down, steel your nerves and place your faith in the pilot, a modern-day Icarus, as you approach the 400-meter-long runway that ends in a dramatic cliff plunge into the ocean. With a sigh of relief, you'll disembark and soon forget the harrowing journey as the pristine beauty of Saba Island welcomes you with open arms.The Highest Peak: Mount SceneryOnce settled on the island, the siren call of Mount Scenery beckons you to ascend to its verdant peak. Rising 887 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano stands as the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Begin the trek by conquering the 1,064 steps that wind through the dense rainforest before emerging into the cloud-covered elysium of the summit.The landscape transforms as you climb, with the forest giving way to the alien landscape of the misty Elfin Forest Reserve, home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the elusive Red-bellied Racer, a snake so rare it might as well be a figment of the imagination. With every lungful of crisp mountain air, the ephemeral world of Mount Scenery appears more like a dream, a celestial realm hidden atop a Caribbean island.Underwater Eden: Diving in Saba Marine ParkAfter conquering the heights, it's time to plunge into the depths of Saba Marine Park, an underwater wonderland teeming with aquatic life. Don a mask and fins, and dive into the crystal-clear waters where you'll bear witness to a world more vibrant and diverse than any terrestrial landscape. Here, azure waters conceal a kaleidoscope of corals, sponges, and a dazzling array of marine creatures.The park boasts 30 dive sites, with names that evoke a sense of adventure and danger: Ladder Labyrinth, Shark Shoal, and Eye of the Needle, to name a few. As you explore the underwater kingdom, marvel at the vibrant coral reefs and the enigmatic creatures that reside within them: parrotfish, sea turtles, and if you're lucky, the occasional nurse shark gliding by.A Haven for Hikers: Trails AplentyWhen you're ready to return to dry land, lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the many trails that crisscross the island. From leisurely strolls to heart-pounding treks, there's a trail for every taste and ability, each offering a unique perspective of Saba's natural wonders.Walk amid the island's lush rainforest as you follow the Sulphur Mine Trail, an intoxicating mixture of tropical greenery and the pungent scent of sulfur. Or, take the Sandy Cruz Trail and navigate the undulating terrain as you pass through the heart of the island and discover hidden groves and plunging ravines.A Taste of the Unspoiled Queen: Local CuisineAfter a day of exploring, your stomach may grumble with a hunger that can only be satiated by the island's local cuisine. Sample the flavors of Saba, a delightful fusion of Dutch, Caribbean, and Creole dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.Indulge in delicacies like goat water, a delectable stew served with a side of johnnycakes, or savor the island's fresh seafood bounty with a plate of conch chowder or lionfish ceviche. Sip on a glass of rum punch as you watch the sun set over the Caribbean, a fitting end to a day spent in the idyllic realm of Saba Island.A Final Farewell: Egress from ParadiseAlas, all good things must come to an end, and as you reluctantly prepare to leave the island, take solace in knowing that Saba's unspoiled beauty will remain forever etched in your memory. The island's volcanic peaks, verdant forests, and crystal-clear waters have a way of searing themselves into the mind, a testament to the enduring allure of the Unspoiled Queen of the Dutch Caribbean.
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