Login

Scuba diving in Aruba

Dive operators Regions Dive seasons Best diving Cost of diving Marine life

Aruba is a Caribbean island known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Scuba diving in Aruba is a popular activity due to the island's rich and diverse underwater world. Here are some reasons why you should consider scuba diving in Aruba:

  1. Vibrant marine life: The waters around Aruba are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, rays, and even shipwrecks. Divers can explore a variety of dive sites, each with its own unique ecosystem and marine species.
  2. Excellent visibility: The clear, warm waters of Aruba offer excellent visibility, sometimes up to 100 feet or more. This makes it easier for divers to spot and observe marine life and enjoy the stunning underwater scenery.
  3. Wrecks and underwater structures: Aruba has several fascinating shipwrecks and underwater structures to explore, including the famous Antilla shipwreck, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean. These sites provide a unique and exciting diving experience for adventurous divers.
  4. Accessible dive sites: Many of Aruba's dive sites are easily accessible from shore, making them ideal for both novice and experienced divers. There are also many experienced and certified dive operators on the island who can provide equipment rental, training, and guided dives.
  5. Year-round diving: Aruba's warm and sunny climate allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape colder climates and enjoy scuba diving at any time of year.

The best operators in: Aruba

Scuba diving regions in: Aruba

NameOperators

Best diving in Aruba

Aruba is home to several spectacular scuba diving sites, each offering a unique underwater experience. Here are some of the best scuba diving spots in Aruba:

  1. Antilla Shipwreck: The Antilla is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean and a popular destination for scuba divers. The ship sits upright on the ocean floor, and its decks are accessible to divers at depths ranging from 50 to 60 feet.
  2. Mangel Halto Reef: Located on the southern coast of the island, the Mangel Halto Reef is a shallow dive site that's perfect for beginners and snorkelers. The reef is home to a variety of colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and sea turtles.
  3. Pedernales Wreck: The Pedernales is another popular shipwreck dive site in Aruba. The ship was sunk by a German submarine during World War II and now rests in two pieces at a depth of 25 to 35 feet.
  4. Jane Sea Wreck: The Jane Sea is a cargo ship that sank in 1988 and now rests on the ocean floor at a depth of 90 feet. The ship is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, eels, and octopuses.
  5. Arashi Reef: The Arashi Reef is a beautiful coral reef located on the northwest coast of the island. The reef is home to a variety of tropical fish and marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and moray eels.
  6. Boca Catalina: Located on the northwest coast of the island, Boca Catalina is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving spot. The reef is home to a variety of colorful coral formations, schools of tropical fish, and other marine life.

Dive seasons in Aruba

Aruba is a year-round scuba diving destination, with warm waters and good visibility throughout the year. However, there are some variations in diving conditions depending on the season:

  1. High Season: Aruba's high season runs from December to April, with the most popular time being between Christmas and New Year's Day. During this time, the water temperature is warm and clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. This is a great time for divers to explore the island's shipwrecks and coral reefs.
  2. Low Season: Aruba's low season runs from May to November, with the wettest months being October and November. During this time, the water temperature remains warm, but visibility may be slightly reduced due to increased plankton in the water. However, this is also the best time to spot larger marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks.
  3. Hurricane Season: Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, so the chances of experiencing a hurricane are relatively low. However, the island may still be affected by tropical storms and strong winds during hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Overall, Aruba's warm waters and good visibility make it an excellent scuba diving destination year-round. The best time to visit will depend on your preferences for weather and marine life sightings.

Cost of diving in Aruba

The costs of scuba diving in Aruba can vary depending on the dive shop, location, and the type of dive. Here are some estimated costs for scuba diving in Aruba:

  1. Single dive: A single dive in Aruba can cost between $50 to $100 per person. This typically includes equipment rental, boat transportation, and a guide.
  2. Certification courses: If you're interested in getting certified to scuba dive, Aruba has several dive shops that offer certification courses. Prices for these courses vary depending on the level of certification, but typically range from $300 to $500.
  3. Packages: Many dive shops in Aruba offer packages that include multiple dives over the course of several days. These packages can provide savings over booking individual dives, and typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the number of dives included.
  4. Equipment rental: If you have your certification but need to rent scuba diving equipment, prices can vary depending on the type of equipment and the duration of the rental. On average, rental prices can range from $20 to $50 per day.

It's important to note that prices can vary widely depending on the dive shop and the specific services being offered. As with any travel activity, it's recommended to research and compare prices from different dive shops before booking to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Marine life in Aruba

Aruba's marine life is diverse and vibrant, with a variety of species living in the warm, clear waters surrounding the island. Here are some of the marine life you may encounter while scuba diving in Aruba:

  1. Coral reefs: Aruba has several coral reefs surrounding the island, home to a variety of species including brain corals, elkhorn corals, staghorn corals, and more.
  2. Tropical fish: The waters around Aruba are teeming with tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and sergeant majors, among many others. Schools of fish can often be seen swimming around coral reefs and shipwrecks.
  3. Sea turtles: Several species of sea turtles can be found in Aruba's waters, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles. These majestic creatures can often be spotted swimming near coral reefs or resting on the sandy ocean floor.
  4. Rays: Stingrays and eagle rays can often be seen swimming around the reefs and shipwrecks of Aruba. They are generally harmless and can be a thrill to observe up close.
  5. Sharks: While not commonly seen, several species of shark can be found in the waters surrounding Aruba, including nurse sharks and reef sharks. These sharks are generally shy and will avoid contact with humans.
  6. Shipwrecks: Aruba has several fascinating shipwrecks to explore, each with its own unique marine life ecosystem. These sites often attract a variety of fish and other marine species, making them a popular destination for divers.

Related countries

AUSTRALIA

20 Regions

78 Operators

PHILIPPINES

25 Regions

110 Operators

MALDIVES

20 Regions

108 Operators

ITALY

24 Regions

121 Operators

MALAYSIA

14 Regions

52 Operators

INDONESIA

34 Regions

262 Operators

EGYPT

18 Regions

96 Operators

MEXICO

26 Regions

36 Operators

THAILAND

18 Regions

122 Operators

© Copyright Surface Interval