Aruba, the “One Happy Island”, isn’t just about stunning beaches and sunshine. Beneath the turquoise waves lies a vibrant world of coral reefs and fascinating shipwrecks, making it a prime destination for scuba diving enthusiasts of all levels. This guide dives deep into Aruba’s underwater wonders, providing you with everything you need to plan an unforgettable scuba diving adventure.
Choosing Your Dive Sites: Something for Everyone
Aruba offers a diverse range of dive sites, catering to different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm, shallow reefs or an experienced diver seeking challenging wreck penetrations, you’ll find it here.
For Beginners: Gentle Reefs and Calm Waters
If you’re new to scuba diving, the west coast of Aruba is your best bet. The water is typically calm and clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Many dive sites are located close to shore, making them easily accessible by boat. Expect depths ranging from 15 to 30 feet, perfect for building confidence and mastering your skills. Some recommended beginner-friendly spots include:
- Arashi Reef: This shallow reef is teeming with colorful fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and trumpetfish. It’s also a great place to spot sea turtles. The gentle currents make it an ideal location for introductory dives and snorkeling. Cost for a guided dive can range from $75-$100 per person including equipment rental. Directions: Located near the Arashi Beach, easily accessible by car or taxi.
- Malmok Reef: Similar to Arashi, Malmok offers calm conditions and abundant marine life. Look out for the many different types of coral, including brain coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Visibility is exceptional, making it a photographer’s paradise. You can often swim directly from the beach to access parts of the reef!
- Tugboat: While technically a wreck, the Tugboat is located in shallow, calm waters and is suitable for beginners. The wreck is small and easy to navigate, providing a great introduction to wreck diving. It’s also a popular spot for underwater photography. The site is located a short boat ride from Spanish Lagoon and is relatively sheltered. A typical dive tour here costs around $60-$80.
For Intermediate Divers: Deeper Reefs and Drift Dives
Intermediate divers will find plenty of exciting dive sites along the south and west coasts. These sites offer deeper depths, stronger currents, and more challenging underwater topography. Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Skalahein Reef: Located off the south coast, Skalahein is a vibrant reef with diverse coral formations and abundant marine life. Depths range from 30 to 60 feet, and currents can be moderate. This is a great place to see larger fish, such as barracuda, grouper, and moray eels. The colorful sponges add to the reef’s beauty. A boat trip to Skalahein including two dives could cost around $120-$150.
- Mike’s Reef This reef site located off the west coast is home to many colorful fish, eels, and even the occasional octopus. The currents are usually gentle and the visibility is good. The depth ranges from 20-40 feet, making it suitable for many divers.
For Advanced Divers: Wrecks and Deep Dives
Aruba is renowned for its fascinating shipwrecks, several of which are suitable for advanced divers only due to depth and potential hazards. Penetration dives require specialized training and equipment, so always dive with an experienced guide.
- Antilla Wreck: Arguably Aruba’s most famous dive site, the Antilla is a 400-foot German freighter that sunk during World War II. It’s one of the largest and most intact shipwrecks in the Caribbean. The wreck lies on its side in about 60 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. Penetration is possible in some areas, but caution is advised. The wreck is blanketed in coral and sponges, attracting a huge variety of marine life. Diving the Antilla is a must-do for any serious diver visiting Aruba. Expect to pay around $100-$150 for a two-tank dive trip to the Antilla, including equipment. Directions: Accessible by boat from most dive operators on the west coast. Visit Aruba provides additional information on this famous wreck.
- Jane Sea Wreck: This 250-foot cargo ship sits upright in about 90 feet of water off the south coast. The wreck is well-preserved and teeming with marine life. Strong currents can be present, making this a challenging dive. Penetration is possible, but only for experienced wreck divers. Advanced certification would be required for this dive.
- Debbie II Wreck: This tanker sunk in 1994 and sits upright in around 70 feet of water. It’s another great wreck dive for advanced divers. The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting lots of marine life. Expect to pay around $120-160 for a 2-tank dive for this experience.
Preparing for Your Dive Trip: Practical Considerations
Careful planning is key to a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience in Aruba. Here are some important things to consider:
Dive Certifications
Make sure your scuba diving certification is current and valid. Bring your certification card with you as dive operators will require proof of certification before allowing you to dive. If you haven’t dived in a while, consider taking a refresher course to brush up on your skills.
Dive Operators
Choose a reputable dive operator with experienced and qualified instructors. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from other divers. Look for operators that prioritize safety and provide well-maintained equipment. Consider the size of the dive groups; smaller groups often provide a more personalized experience. Some popular and highly rated dive operators include:
- Red Sail Sports: A full-service watersports company offering a wide range of diving excursions and courses. They have multiple locations on the island.
- Aqua Windie’s Dive Center: Known for their personalized service and small group sizes. They offer a variety of dive packages and courses.
- Unique Sports Aruba: Provides some of the best equipment as well as highly trained instructors.
Equipment
You can either bring your own dive equipment or rent it from a dive operator. If you choose to rent, make sure the equipment is in good condition and fits you properly. Always inspect your gear before each dive. Check your BCD inflator and deflator, regulator, mask, and fins. If you have your own computer, bring it with you as it can enhance your enjoyment and safety.
Health and Safety
Consult your doctor before your trip to ensure you are fit to dive. Be aware of the risks associated with scuba diving, such as decompression sickness (the bends). Follow safe diving practices, including proper ascent rates and safety stops. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your dives. Avoid alcohol before diving. Be aware of the local marine life and avoid touching or disturbing any coral or marine animals. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is an excellent resource for information on diving safety and medical assistance.
Dive Insurance
Consider purchasing dive insurance to protect yourself in case of an accident or medical emergency. DAN offers dive insurance and medical assistance programs for divers worldwide. Having dive insurance can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the necessary medical care in the event of an incident.
Water Temperature & Visibility
The water temperature in Aruba is typically warm year-round, averaging between 78°F (26°C) and 82°F (28°C). A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for most divers. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 100 feet, especially on the west coast. However, visibility can be affected by weather conditions and currents.
What to Bring
- Dive certification card
- Logbook (to record your dives)
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Rash guard or dive skin
- Underwater camera (optional)
- Motion sickness medication (if you are prone to seasickness)
Marine Life Encounters: What to Expect
Aruba’s underwater world is teeming with life, offering divers the opportunity to encounter a variety of fascinating marine creatures. Here are some of the animals you might see:
- Tropical Fish: Aruba’s reefs are home to a dazzling array of colorful tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, trumpetfish, and wrasses. These fish add vibrancy and beauty to the underwater landscape.
- Sea Turtles: Several species of sea turtles, including green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, can be found in Aruban waters. They are often seen grazing on seagrass or swimming gracefully along the reefs. Remember to observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
- Moray Eels: These snake-like fish are commonly found hiding in crevices and holes in the reefs. They are generally shy and harmless, but it’s important to avoid getting too close or trying to touch them.
- Barracuda: These sleek, predatory fish are often seen patrolling the reefs. They can be quite large and intimidating, but they are generally not aggressive towards divers.
- Rays: Stingrays and spotted eagle rays are frequently seen gliding through the water. They are graceful and majestic creatures, but it’s important to be aware of their stinging barbs and avoid getting too close.
- Octopus and Squid: These intelligent invertebrates are masters of camouflage and can be difficult to spot. They often hide among the rocks and coral, changing color to blend in with their surroundings.
- Nurse Sharks: These docile sharks are commonly seen resting on the sea floor. They are generally harmless, but it’s important to give them space and avoid disturbing them.
Respecting the Marine Environment: Diving Responsibly
It’s crucial to dive responsibly to protect Aruba’s delicate marine environment. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Avoid Touching Coral: Coral is a living organism and is easily damaged by human contact. Even a slight touch can harm or kill coral. Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid brushing against or kicking coral.
- Don’t Feed the Fish: Feeding fish can disrupt their natural feeding habits and ecosystem. Fish may become dependent on humans for food and lose their ability to forage for themselves.
- Don’t Collect Souvenirs: Leave shells, coral, and other marine life in their natural habitat. Collecting souvenirs removes them from the ecosystem and can be harmful to the environment.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can damage coral reefs. Choose reef-safe sunscreen that is mineral-based and free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Properly Dispose of Trash: Never leave trash behind when you are diving or on the beach. Properly dispose of all waste in designated trash receptacles.
- Report Any Damage: If you see any damage to the reefs or marine life, report it to the local authorities or dive operators. Reporting damage can help them take steps to protect the environment.
Beyond Diving: Other Activities in Aruba
While diving is a highlight of any trip to Aruba, there’s plenty more to see and do on the island. From pristine beaches to thrilling land-based adventures, Aruba offers something for everyone.
- Beaches: Aruba is famous for its stunning beaches. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach consistently rank among the world’s best. Relax on the soft white sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at watersports like windsurfing or kitesurfing.
- Arikok National Park: Explore Aruba’s rugged interior at Arikok National Park. Hike through desert landscapes, discover hidden caves, and admire the unique flora and fauna. A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the park’s natural beauty. Entrance to the park is $11 and is valid for three days.
- Oranjestad: Explore Aruba’s colorful capital city, Oranjestad. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the Dutch colonial architecture, and shop for souvenirs. The city also has many restaurants and bars.
- Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise along Aruba’s coast. Relax on deck, sip cocktails, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Some cruises include dinner and live music. These typically cost $70-$100 per person.
- Land Sailing: Experience the thrill of land sailing along Aruba’s windswept beaches. This unique activity combines sailing and go-karting for an unforgettable adventure.
- Snorkeling: Even if you are not a certified scuba diver, you can still enjoy the underwater world with snorkeling. Many of the reefs that are popular for diving are also suitable for snorkeling. Several boat tours combine snorkeling with sightseeing.
FAQ Section
What is the best time of year to dive in Aruba?
Aruba offers excellent diving conditions year-round. The water temperature is consistently warm, and visibility is generally good. The peak season is from December to April, but you can enjoy diving in Aruba any time of year. Consider avoiding September-November as this is hurricane season for this part of the Caribbean.
Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Aruba?
A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving in Aruba. The water temperature is typically between 78°F (26°C) and 82°F (28°C). Some divers may prefer a thicker wetsuit if they tend to get cold easily.
Are there any dangerous marine animals in Aruba?
While Aruba is home to a variety of marine life, encounters with dangerous animals are rare. However, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards such as stingrays, barracuda, and moray eels. Avoid touching or disturbing any marine animals, and always maintain a safe distance.
Can I dive the Antilla wreck without advanced certification?
You can dive the outside of the Antilla wreck with an Open Water certification. However, penetration dives into the wreck require advanced certification and specialized training. It’s important to dive within your limits and always dive with an experienced guide. The Antilla’s size and depth can produce dangerous conditions for less experienced divers entering the wreck. The wreck site is constantly changing therefore it is important to visit with a certified guide.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Aruba?
Yes, Aruba’s tap water is safe to drink. Aruba has a state-of-the-art desalination plant that produces high-quality drinking water from seawater.
What currency is used in Aruba?
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG). However, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. Credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.
What language do they speak in Aruba?
The official languages of Aruba are Papiamento and Dutch. However, English and Spanish are also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
References
Visit Aruba Official Tourism Website.
Divers Alert Network (DAN).
Ready to Explore Aruba’s Underwater Paradise?
Aruba’s underwater world is waiting to be discovered. With its diverse dive sites, abundant marine life, and warm, clear waters, Aruba offers an unforgettable scuba diving experience for divers of all levels. So, pack your gear, book your flights, and get ready to explore the vibrant reefs and fascinating shipwrecks of the “One Happy Island.” Don’t just dream about it, dive into it!
