Scuba Diving in Aruba With Aruba Premier Boat and Dive
Aruba lies north of Venezuela, the westernmost of the Caribbean islands. This Dutch territory has a rich history and a heavy nautical influence, resulting in a variety of splendid diving. Aruba has many reminders of World War II lying under the waves, where many scuttled airplanes and ships are accessible to divers.
Relatively new to the diving fraternity, Aruba’s coral reefs are vibrant and rich, with plenty of macro and mega life to observe. Having an array of excellent dive sites there are a diverse range of marine life. In the pelagic bracket divers can see,
- Manta rays
- Eagle rays
- Turtles
- Barracuda
- Jacks
- Yellow tails
Furthermore, closer to shore smaller species roam,
- Seahorses
- Clownfish
- Butterfly fish
- Squirrelfish,
- Sergeant major fish
- Grouper
- Octopus’
Due to its tropical location, Aruba enjoys warm waters throughout the year, averaging 26 degrees Celsius in winter months and 29 degrees Celsius in summer. The warm waters allow divers to explore year-round, and due to the fact that Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt, there is little threat of tropical storms.
Aruba however is best known for its wrecks, none more famous than the Antilla, here are some of the most renowned dive sites on the island.
ANTILLA
A German freighter that was scuttled by her own captain in 1940 in an attempt to resist capture by the Dutch. The deepest point of the Antilla lies in 18 metres (55 feet) of water off Eagle Beach. Ideal for all divers, beginner to advanced, the top of the wreck lies just under the surface of the water allowing snorkelers the ability to explore. The 130 metre (400 foot) wreck is filled with marine life, such as jacks, lobsters and an array of soft coral. The Antilla has the ability to be penetrated by divers, and in turn makes an excellent night diving location.
ARASHI WRECK
An ideal wreck for beginners, this sunken Lockheed Lodestar lies on the sandy bottom at 12 meters (25 feet). Covered in soft and hard corals alike, this fascinating piece of history is becoming more and more abundant with life as the years pass. Schools of colorful parrotfish and angelfish are often spotted.
SERITO PINNACLE
On the south side of the island, this dive site is one of the ‘best kept secrets’ in Aruba. Only accessible via private charter, this pinnacle is as pristine as they come, untouched and unspoiled by human contact, divers will experience the occasional strong current which bring a myriad of marine life such as schools of pelagics such as barracuda and various species of jack. Divers have even seen the illusive Manta Ray.
Aruba Premier Boat and Dive is your go to scuba diving shop in Aruba for private dive charters and also offers a range of fishing and snorkeling charters aboard their beautiful Boston Whaler.
