Ladder Bay
Saba
Ladder Bay is a natural anchorage located on the leeward west side of the Caribbean island of Saba. Historically, it served as one of the island's primary ports of entry until the 1970s, when a pier was built at Fort Bay. The bay is renowned for "The Ladder," a staircase originally carved into the rock with about 479 steps today, connecting the bay to the capital, The Bottom. This staircase was vital for transporting cargo and people, including large items like a piano, before modern infrastructure existed. Above the bay stands an abandoned customs house from the 1930s, adding historical significance to the site. Ladder Bay is also celebrated for its diverse marine life and multiple dive sites such as Porites Point and Babylon, featuring vibrant coral formations and abundant sea creatures. The surrounding dry forest trail offers views of native mahogany and cinnamon trees, making Ladder Bay a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Ladder Bay is during the dry season for comfortable hiking and diving conditions. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear for the strenuous hike down and up The Ladder, which takes about an hour round trip. Advance planning is recommended for diving excursions, and using mooring buoys helps protect the coral reefs. The customs house above the bay can be visited as a historical site. Avoid visiting during heavy rains or hurricane season due to trail damage risks.
Fatti interessanti
- •The Ladder consists of 479 steps carved into volcanic rock, originally about 800 steps before reconstruction.
- •Large items, including a piano, were historically carried up The Ladder.
- •The customs house above Ladder Bay dates back to the 1930s and remains intact.
- •Ladder Bay hosts several popular dive sites featuring unique coral species like Porites and sea fans.
- •Divers can feel warm, sulfur-colored sand underwater due to Saba's active volcano.
- •The bay is home to diverse marine life including nurse sharks, green turtles, and various coral species.
Storia
Ladder Bay was a crucial entry point for Saba from the mid-17th century until the 1970s.
Early European settlers used the bay to offload supplies, which were then carried up the hand-carved steps known as The Ladder.
In the 1930s, the current concrete steps and the customs house were constructed, formalizing its role.
The construction of the pier at Fort Bay in the 1970s shifted maritime activity away from Ladder Bay.
The bottom steps of The Ladder suffered damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017, but the site remains a cultural landmark and popular hiking trail.
Guida del luogo
The Ladder Staircase1930s
A historic staircase carved into volcanic rock connecting Ladder Bay to The Bottom. It has 479 concrete and rock steps and was essential for transporting goods and people before the pier was built.
Customs House1930s
An abandoned customs house built in the 1930s located on the cliff above Ladder Bay. It served as a checkpoint for goods and travelers arriving via The Ladder.
Porites Point Dive Site
A popular scuba diving spot named after the abundant Porites coral species found here, including Mustardhill and Branching Finger Coral.
Babylon Dive Site
Dive site with dramatic underwater overhangs resembling the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, featuring sea fans and sightings of sharks, turtles, and eels.
Middle Island Trail
A heritage hiking trail near Ladder Bay featuring ruins of an open cistern, stone farm walls, and a cavern, offering views of Well's Bay and Ladder Bay.
