Mary's Point Mountain: Hiking Into Saba's Ghost Village
A short, steep trail to the ruins of a lost 17th-century settlement
Why Go
Somewhere between Well's Bay and the clouds, an entire village stood for 300 years before the Dutch government moved every last soul off the mountain in 1934. What's left is Mary's Point ΓÇö crumbling cisterns, foundation stones, and shards of blue china tangled in the brush, all reachable on one of Saba's most atmospheric hikes.
The Experience
The trail lifts off from the road to Well's Bay and climbs sharply uphill through dry coastal vegetation before opening onto the abandoned Palmetto plateau. It's steep but short ΓÇö about 1┬╜ hours round trip ΓÇö and well maintained, with interpretive boards along the way that piece together the story of the far-flung 'Promised Land' resettlement. The silence up top is the point. You're standing in what was once the most isolated hamlet in the Dutch Caribbean, with the sea on one side and Mount Scenery brooding above on the other, and almost no one else around. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and a little curiosity for history that most Saba visitors never bother to chase.
What to Try
Look for the old stone cisterns and house foundations tucked into the underbrush, and keep an eye out for glass and pottery fragments (leave them where they lie). If you've hired a guide, push on to Hollow Rock ΓÇö a notable Amerindian site ΓÇö or continue past the All Too Far junction, both of which are off-limits without one due to erosion. Time your descent for late afternoon so you're back near Well's Bay for sunset over the water.
Insider Tip
The trail beyond the All Too Far junction is closed to independent hikers, so if you want the full experience ΓÇö Hollow Rock, the deeper ruins, the coastal viewpoints ΓÇö book a guided hike through the Saba Tourist Bureau or The Trail Shop in Windwardside before you head out. Guides also know which shards and foundation walls are worth pausing at, and the history lands very differently when someone's telling it aloud on-site.
The Practical Stuff
Trailhead: off the road leading down to Well's Bay, on Saba's northwest flank. Difficulty: moderate ΓÇö steep but short, roughly 1┬╜ hours round trip. Bring water, closed-toe hiking shoes, sun protection, and a light layer for the ridge breeze. Guided hikes required beyond All Too Far junction; arrange through Saba Tourist Bureau or The Trail Shop in Windwardside. Best hiked in the morning to avoid midday sun on the exposed climb.
Pair It With
- Brigadoon — A Windwardside favorite for a proper sit-down dinner after a dusty hike ΓÇö the eclectic menu and cozy room are the perfect reward for tired legs.
- Bizzy B — Grab a fresh bakery item or quick bite here before the trail ΓÇö it's an easy pre-hike fuel stop when you don't want a full meal weighing you down.
- Angelina's Saba By OwAiChie — Wind down post-hike with local food and drinks in a laid-back setting that matches the slow rhythm of the island.
- Amonhana — A relaxed spot to refuel and rehydrate once you're back down the mountain, before heading on to your next Saba adventure.