Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay)

Overview

Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) is located just north of Saba Island in the United States Virgin Islands. It is approximately 2.5 miles (4km) south of the western end of Saint Thomas. There is a beach and anchorage which are accessible on the leeward side of the island.

General Information

Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) is a small, rocky island that is 100 yards north of Saba Island. Most of the island is rocky outcrops and it is surrounded by reef. The island is uninhabited.

There is a section of the reef that connects Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) to Saba Island. It is fully exposed during low tide and a sandbar enables people to move between the two islands. Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) was designated as a wildlife reserve by the Unite States Virgin Islands government, along with Saba Island and Flat Cay.

Navigation

The coordinates for Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) are:  18° 18′ 30.9594″ N, -65° 0′ 1.0794″ W

Due to the terrain, it is best to navigate to Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) during the day when visibility is clear, and conditions are calm.

Where to Anchor 

On the leeward side of the island, there is a beach and anchorage which can be used during calm weather. Upon approach, be extremely aware of the reefs and rocks, including Dry Rock, which is southwest of Saba Island and Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay).

Places of Interest

Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) is quite isolated and there are no facilities. This means private sailors are likely to be the only ones at the island. As it is a national park, there has been a focus of preserving the natural environment and the area is abundant with wildlife, especially birds.

There is a sandy beach is on the leeward side of the island, next to the anchorage. From this beach, it is easy to access the reef, which is great for snorkelling.

Things to do

Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay) is perfect for those wanting to experience the wild, natural environment of the Lesser Antilles.

On the island, there are many different bird species to spot, including some which are endemic to the USVI’s. Three of the species that live in the area are brown noddies, sooty terms and roseate terns. The reef surrounding the island is home to an abundance of marine life that can be spotted while snorkelling.

Only a short sail away is Saba Island. Like Little Saba (Turtle Dove Cay), Saba Island is protected and still quite wild. It has moorings on the western side of the island which are relatively protected.