I recently read a short piece in Caribbean Magazine on Saba. It sounds pretty incredible, but posts on this forum seem sort of mixed about whether or not to go for a trip.

I would be traveling with a one year old and a three year old. My husband and I love to hike and explore quaint charming towns. He dives, I do not. We are not beach people. We would consider a 4 -5 night trip. We would be happy to relax and take it easy, but would also need enough going on to keep the kids relatively busy.

Is there a best time of year to go, as far as climate? I assume one would want to go after October to miss hurricane season.

Are there any kind of traveler's health concerns? Shots? Prophylaxis needed? Water concerns?

Thank you!

First, there are no major health or traveler's health concerns on Saba (or just about anywhere in the Caribbean, for that matter). Water isn't usually a problem, if by that you mean "drinking water" but if you are susceptible to stomach irregularities you'll have no problem finding bottled water.

Climate year round is essentially the same with only about a 5 degree F. difference in average temperatures between summer and winter. There's the probability of more rain in the fall but trying to predict weather for a small island in the Caribbean is difficult, if not impossible. Rain, when it does come is usually in the form of fast moving very brief showers lasting minutes rather than hours. While it may rain somewhere on the island for some time every day rarely is the rain intense and long enough t spoil anyone's vacation. June 1 through November 30 is hurricane season in the Caribbean with the most active period for storms being September & October but the ads of a storm impacting a single island are relatively small. If no storms are in the area weather can be exceptionally good.

Now for the reality check - Saba is a very small island with no beaches and little tourism and there is nothing specific to keep your one and three year olds occupied. It will be up to you to keep your kids entertained. There are no theme parks, children's playgrounds, toddler's programs, etc. YOU WILL BE YOUR CHILDREN"S MAIN SOURCE OF ENTERTAINMENT. FYI - hiking on the island an be challenging, especially if you want to hike the rain forests and to the top of the volcano, certainly not something you'd want to do with children that young.

Gotcha. Well, we might consider leaving the kids at home. Although, I was looking at flights to Saint Maarten and they seemed super expensive, so add on the flight or ferry to the island and I am not sure whether it will be doable for us anyway. Thanks for your reply.