Superb diving is the reason most tourists make it to Saba. A marine park was designated in 1987, and carefully controlled operation of the dive sites scattered throughout the park (which surrounds the entire island) has kept the reefs in pristine condition. Visibility is excellent and, as well as fine coralheads near the surface for snorkelling, there are sheer walls dropping to over 300m just offshore. Most of the best dive sites are on the calmer, western side of the island, where you'll find great pinnacle dives as well as ridges and beautiful coral gardens.

Operators include Saba Deep (tel 599/416-3347, ), Saba Reef (tel 599/416-2541) and Sea Saba (tel 599/416-2246, ). Rates are normally US$50/90 for a one-/two-tank dive, US$65 for a night dive and US$30 for a snorkelling trip, with an extra charge for equipment. A resort course for first-time divers costs around US$80 and (if there are three or more takers) a full certification course taught over four or five days runs about US$350. Bear in mind that prices normally come down significantly if you visit the island as part of a package that includes diving. For example, seven nights' accommodation and ten dives cost US$992/1138 per person at Juliana's (US$822/889 if two divers are sharing a room) and US$680 year-round at El Momo , booked through Sea Saba. Check the websites of the dive operators and the hotels for the latest deals, which change frequently.