By Air in Saba

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By Air

The approach to Saba's tiny airstrip is as thrilling as a roller-coaster ride. The strip is one of the shortest in the world, but no need to worry, because the de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft are built for it. In fact, the pilot needs only half of the length of the runway to land properly. (If you're nervous, don't sit on the right. The wing seems almost to scrape against the cliff side on the approach.) Once you've touched down on the airstrip, the pilot taxis an inch or two, turns, and deposits you just outside Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, which first opened in 1963. After a new terminal was added, the airport had its grand reopening in 2002.

Winair is the only airline that flies to Saba -- from St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. You must pay a $6 departure tax when leaving Saba by plane for either St. Maarten or St. Eustatius, or $20 if you're continuing on an international flight. (Note: When flying home through St. Maarten from here, list yourself as "in transit" and avoid repaying the tax in St. Maarten, which is $20.)

Airline Contact

Winair (599/416-2255 or 800/634-4907. www.fly-winair.com).

Airport Contact

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (599/416-2255).