Although Aruba may not be best known for its diving opportunities there are some wonderful dive sites and wrecks to be explored, especially along the sheltered south western coastline. Some of the charted locations are listed below and can be reached by a selection of reputable dive operators on the island.

 
Aruba has 35 dive sites in total, some best appreciated by snorkelling and others that are best explored by scuba diving. Amongst other species, expect to encounter butterfly fish, wrasses, damsel fish, parrot fish, grunts, snappers, rays, sharks and trunk fish.
Here is a snapshot of the stunning dive sites on the island:

Antilla Wreck (60′)
In 1945 a brand new German freighter called the Antilla was scuttled by the Germans and is now lying in the seabed covered by giant tube sponges and coral formations. Known locally as the ghost ship, the Antilla wreck is the largest in the Caribbean at 400’ long. Here you will find a plethora of tropical fish such as yellow tails and angel fish; the Antilla is a great spot for night diving.

Cudaredo Rocks
When not being battered by huge waves, the Cudaredo rocks at the islands northernmost point provides a great experience for snorkelers and divers.

Tugboat Wreck (40′-90′)
Notably one of the most abundant dive sites in Aruba with magnificent star, brain and sheet coral. This site is home to the wreck of an old tugboat and is now inhabited by a pair of green moray eels. If you are lucky you may also see sting rays and eagle rays gliding peacefully through the clear waters close by.

Kantil Reef (40′-110′)
A truly magnificent dive site with vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life, an underwater camera is a must. The site is dotted with huge boulders of brain and star coral, breathtaking sheet corals, leaf corals and massive sea fans. You can expect a bounty of marine life from yellow tails, morays and groupers; manta rays and eagle rays have also been spotted here.

Skalahein (15′-20′)
Skalahein is well known for its large population of barracudas and provides the perfect environment for drift-diving. Manta rays have also been known to frequent the site.

Porto Chiquito (20′-80′)
Hire a car and get yourself out to Porto Chiquito, this dive site is not to be missed. A particularly diverse diving experience with spectacular varieties of coral such as giant star coral castles, brain, flower, finger-leaf and pillar; also the chance to see large mantas and turtles.

Baby Beach Reef (20′-60′)
You can enter this dive site directly from the calm waters of baby beach. You will see large formations of sheet coral and elkhorn coral which make it a haven for lobsters, octopus and crabs.

Dive Operator Directory

Are you a diving novice or even thinking about experiencing the magical underwater world for the first time? This video will give you a feel for what to expect…