Saba Island

The island of the Saba is known to most for its scuba diving and beautiful trails but only very few know that if offers limited but unique climbing. Saba is a part of the Caribbean Netherlands and is located in the North-East of the Caribbean Sea in close approximation to St. Maarten. The island is tiny, with its landmass of 15 square kilometers, but rises steep up from the sea with its peak Mount Scenery at a height of 887 meters. Its unofficial name as the unspoiled queen is well deserving for how unique, green, beautiful and pristine the island is. The island is like a fortress and unlike any other Caribbean island! There is one steep winding road from the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport to Fort Bay harbor and Well’s bay and those point are also they only paved access points to the sea.

Saba offers spectacular scuba diving and hiking that only a small number of tourists get to experience every year. I believe that climbing could be a nice addition to the possible outdoor activities that can be experience on the island. Currently (2019) there is only a handful of boulders developed which offers 1-3 days’ worth of fun but for the more adventurous climbers I have left some locations on the map that highlight potential areas for development. Most of these were not developed because of the intense (steep terrain and hot weather) approach and lack of climbing partners. But I dream of returning to the island someday to further explore and develop climbing potential on the island with a motivated group.

So, if you are going to the island for vacation and fancy a climb, then do not forget to bring your climbing shoes. Ask around for something resembling a bouldering pad at Sea Saba or the local gym/school. And if you are really stoked and would like to develop more on the island just get in touch with me and I will see how I can be of assistance or join. You can get in touch through support@27crags.com and they will connect us.

- Jimmy van Rijn

On two occasions the climbing possibilities on Saba island are known to have been explored. Initially around the turn of the century a group of American climbers was invited to explore and develop the route climbing potential by a local business owner. They were moderately successful in the effort but unfortunately a great part of the knowledge is lost or not archived in a way that is accessible today. Some residents can tell you the approximate location of their exploration but not much more.

Then in 2013 a marine ecologist/manager came to life on the island and he explored the potential for bouldering in his pastime. The most accessible boulders were climbed and documented by him and he also explored the potential in some of the less accessible areas. These still remain to be climbed and documented. There is still quite some potential for bouldering and route climbing but the warm climate and steep terrain make development relatively challenging.

Local business owners welcome the idea of an additional outdoor activity that could attract people to the island and Saba is an amazing place to visit. In an attempt to document the climbing on this incredible island and share it with the world this page was created. It would be great if more people realize Saba has potential and bring the climbing shoes on their next visit. Even better would be an organized and motived group that will explore what more lies hidden in the lush vegetation of the island.