Packing list for Saba, travel insurance for Saba and taking your belongings

What to take to Saba: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands, but falls outside the Schengen Zone. Therefore, you need a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months and possibly a visa. The official currency is the US dollar (USD). You can withdraw cash, but there are few ATMs, so having enough cash is important. Some hotels and dive schools accept credit cards, but smaller establishments usually only accept cash.
• Clothing: light and breathable clothing for the Caribbean climate, but also bring a cardigan, long pants, and a thin raincoat. Due to the altitude of Mount Scenery, it can be surprisingly cool, foggy, and wet. Swimwear if you plan to dive.
• Shoes: good hiking boots or trail shoes are almost mandatory. Saba is known as "The Unspoiled Queen" and is known for its beautiful hiking areas. The famous climb to Mount Scenery involves more than a thousand steps. Flip-flops or sandals are handy for accommodations and boat trips.
• Care and hygiene: reef-safe (mandatory) sunscreen with a high SPF. Due to the cooling wind, you sometimes don't notice how quickly you burn.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag for boat trips. The weather can change quickly.
• Insects and animals: a set of mosquito repellents with DEET or picaridine.
• Medicines and travel first aid kit: a first aid kit with plasters, blister plasters, ORS, painkillers, and remedies for insect bites. Outdoors and handy items: reusable water bottle, quick-drying towel, sunglasses, cap or hat, and a small daypack. Binoculars are nice for seabirds and whale watching.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for the same sockets as in the United States (Type A and B).

To consider

• A snorkel set.
• Waterproof phone case or underwater camera.
• Binoculars for whale watching (January to April).
• Proof of dive certificates and logbook if you are going diving around the Saba Marine Park.

Are there mosquitoes on Saba?

• Mosquitoes are found all over Saba, especially after rainfall and in damp areas.
• Saba is generally quite safe: most travelers mainly suffer from itchy bites. However, mosquitoes in the Caribbean can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Good protection therefore remains sensible.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies on Saba?

• Saba has few sandy beaches, so sandflies do not pose a problem. However, other small biting flies sometimes appear near the harbor gate.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, on Saba?

• Yes, but the selection is very limited. A few mosquito repellents are often available in small supermarkets and shops, but if you have a preference for a specific brand or percentage of DEET, it is better to bring it yourself.

Can you buy a joint or weed on Saba, or bring it to Saba?

• This is a bit of a trap for travelers: although Saba is part of the Netherlands, the same policies do not apply here as in the European Netherlands. The BES islands have their own legislation, and everything related to cannabis is completely illegal here.
• Customs checks strictly, and heavy fines can be imposed for the sale, possession, import, and use of cannabis.