Diving and Snorkeling

As with the other ABC islands, Aruba has clear water with a constant temperature of 28º (82ºF). Aruba has 42 recognised dive sites, and offshore waters offer visibility up to 30 metres. There is some shore diving, but most diving is from boats. Aruba has been dubbed "wreck diving" capital of the Caribbean with a number of wrecks from 8 – 130 metres deep. Ocean conditions around Aruba are perfect for diving or snorkeling, easy, warm and with a great deal to see and enjoy. Most diving is along the sheltered south western coast. All divers, from beginners to advanced, can enjoy the excellent conditions. Like Bonaire and Curaçao, there is a huge diversity, and quantity of fish, including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray. The reef, with magnificent sponges and coral formations, has benefited from protection measures for some years. Aruba is currently working to preserve the ecological health of its many reefs.

• The Pedernales Wreck – 11m - oil tanker, torpedoed during World War II by German submarine – wreckage spread out between coral formations – great for novices;
• California Wreck- 5-10 metres - almost 100 years old - great for photography - on the windward side - advanced divers;
• Tugboat Wreck – 12-30 metres- one the best dives in Aruba.
• Antilla Wreck 20 metres - known locally as the ghost ship - 120
• metres long - one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean - German freighter scuttled when new by the Germans in 1945;
• Jane Sea Freighter Wreck- 10 - 22 metres- freighter 60 metres long;
• Arashi Reef – 10 -15 metres - fascinating reef for novice divers - brain coral, huge star corals, parrot and angel fish;
• Malmok Reef- 21 metres - huge lobsters, unusual number of sting rays;
• Harbour Reef – 6–15 metres - abundance of plant life and soft coral formations;
• Sonesta Reef – 6-20 metres - two sunken airplanes in the area, near Sonesta Island. Barcadera Reef – 6-25 metres - brain corals, huge sea fans. Kantil Reef – 20 – 35 metres – great drop off, with gigantic boulders of brain and star coral plus yellow tails, morays, groupers, manta rays and eagle rays - excellent dive for photography, and many more..

Situated on Surfside Beach, just south of Oranjestad, S.E. Aruba Fly 'n Dive is a certified PADI dive centre, famous for it's excellent service. Full range of equipment for hire or sale. This school can organise all your diving trips. Boats leave daily for the numerous wrecks and reefs, just waiting for you to take the plunge.

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