Walking in March
March is an excellent time for a walking holiday in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The weather is warm, generally dry and pleasantly breezy, making it comfortable to explore on foot before the strongest midday heat. Clear skies also mean excellent views, whether you are following a coastal path, climbing a volcanic slope or wandering through a historic town.
These three Caribbean islands are very different, which is part of their appeal. Bonaire is relaxed and open, with wide landscapes, salt pans and rugged shorelines. Sint Eustatius offers quiet trails and fascinating history, while Saba is the place for steeper walks, lush scenery and dramatic mountain views.
Bonaire’s Open Landscapes
Bonaire is ideal for walkers who enjoy space and natural scenery. Trails around Washington Slagbaai National Park lead through cactus-covered hills, dry woodland and striking coastal country. Keep an eye out for colourful birds, iguanas and wild donkeys as you make your way through the park.
Near the southern end of the island, paths around the salt pans offer a completely different experience. The brilliant water, white salt mounds and old slave huts create a memorable landscape, while flamingos are often seen feeding in the shallows. Walking here is usually gentle, although sturdy footwear is useful on rough ground.
Sint Eustatius Trails
Sint Eustatius, often known as Statia, is a rewarding choice for travellers who like history alongside their walking. The capital, Oranjestad, has atmospheric ruins, old warehouses and quiet lanes overlooking the sea. A stroll through the historic area gives you a real sense of the island’s important trading past.
For a more energetic walk, the route up The Quill leads towards a dormant volcanic crater. The lower slopes are green and sheltered, with tropical vegetation providing welcome shade. Conditions can be uneven, so take water, wear proper walking shoes and allow plenty of time to enjoy the views.
Saba’s Mountain Walks
Saba is small, rugged and wonderfully distinctive. Its famous Mount Scenery trail climbs through changing vegetation, from lower woodland to cooler, misty forest near the summit. In March, the air can feel fresh at higher levels, and the views over the island and surrounding sea are often spectacular.
The island’s paths include many stone steps and steep sections, so Saba suits reasonably fit walkers looking for a challenge. Take your time, carry water and check local advice before setting out. The reward is an intimate walking experience, far removed from busy resorts and crowded sightseeing routes.
Planning Your Holiday
Pack lightweight clothing, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream and a refillable water bottle. Good walking shoes are essential, particularly on Saba and on the volcanic trails of Sint Eustatius. A light waterproof layer is also sensible, as brief showers can occur even during the dry season.
Allow time between islands rather than trying to rush everything into one trip. Local guides can add useful detail about wildlife, geology and history, and they can help you choose routes suited to your experience. With warm weather, varied scenery and genuinely uncrowded trails, a March walking holiday in the BES islands is an engaging way to discover the quieter side of the Caribbean.