Aruba is a solid scuba diving destination anchored by the Antilla — the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Warm water year-round (80-84F), visibility typically 15-30 metres, and a well-developed dive infrastructure make it a worthwhile diving destination even if Bonaire and Curacao edge it out for reef diversity.
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Best Dive Sites in Aruba
1. The Antilla Shipwreck
A 400-foot German cargo ship scuttled in 1940, sitting in 18-20 metres off the northwest coast. The largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Every section is penetrable and entirely covered in coral, sponges, fish, and marine life. Multiple dives to explore fully. This is world-class wreck diving.
2. The Pedernales
WWII oil tanker in 7-9 metres — ideal for beginners and snorkellers. Bow and stern sections separated and both heavily colonised by coral. Perfect shallow dive after the Antilla.
3. Boca Catalina
Healthy reef starting at 5 metres, sea turtles regular, good for beginner open water dives or relaxed shore diving. Excellent snorkelling from the beach too.
4. Mangel Halto
Southern coast near Savaneta. Reef drops to 20+ metres, less crowded than northern sites, excellent marine diversity including rays and eels.
Dive Conditions
| Season | Water temp | Visibility |
| December-April | 79-81F (26-27C) | 20-30m |
| May-August | 82-84F (28-29C) | 15-25m |
| September-November | 83-85F (28-29C) | 15-25m |
Dive Operators
Main operators on Palm Beach: Aruba Watersports Center, Native Divers Aruba, Red Sail Sports. All PADI certified. Single boat dive $60-80. Two-tank dive $90-120. Antilla dive $65-85. Open Water PADI certification $400-550.
Yes — Aruba has excellent wreck diving anchored by the Antilla, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. For reef diving, Bonaire and Curacao are superior, but Aruba warrants a visit for divers specifically for the Antilla.
The Antilla is a 400-foot German cargo ship scuttled in 1940, sitting in 18-20 metres off Aruba northwest coast. It is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, entirely covered in coral and marine life.
Certification required for boat dives. Discover Scuba experiences available for non-certified guests. Full Open Water courses take 3-4 days and cost approximately $400-550.
See also: Antilla Shipwreck guide | Snorkelling guide
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Certified and first-time dives on the Antilla wreck and nearby reef.
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Planning Your Aruba Diving Itinerary
Most divers visiting Aruba plan at least two dives at the Antilla Shipwreck — the scale of the vessel means a single dive only reveals part of it. Day 1: dive the exposed hull and upper structures (18–22 metres). Day 2: explore the cargo holds and penetrate the engine room (22–27 metres, appropriate for divers comfortable with overhead environments). Between the two dives you’ll have seen most of the wreck, though experienced wreck divers often go three or four times and keep finding new sections.
Beyond the Antilla: the Pedernales is a good second choice for a shallow relaxed dive after the deeper Antilla work. Boca Catalina reef at 5–15 metres is excellent for a third day if you want reef ecology rather than wreck diving — the sea turtles here feed on sponges in a completely different underwater environment from the Antilla’s artificial reef ecosystem.
Open Water Certification in Aruba
Several operators offer PADI Open Water certification courses — the full 3-day programme runs approximately $400–550 and includes all pool and ocean dives, equipment, and the certification card. If you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, Aruba’s warm, clear, calm western coast water is one of the most comfortable learning environments in the world. You’ll be fully certified by Day 3 and can immediately apply those skills at the Antilla.
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Scuba Diving in Aruba: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does scuba diving cost in Aruba?
A two-tank boat dive is typically $110–150 including tanks and weights; full gear rental adds $20–35. A discover-scuba intro for non-certified divers is about $120–160, and PADI Open Water certification runs $450–550.
What are the best dive sites in Aruba?
The Antilla wreck (a 400-foot WWII freighter in 60 feet of water), the Pedernales tanker wreck, the Jane Sea freighter, and the Arashi reef and airplane wrecks off the north-west coast. Most sites are 10–20 minutes by boat from Palm Beach.
Do I need to be certified?
For boat dives on the wrecks, yes (Open Water or higher). Non-certified visitors can do a supervised discover-scuba dive in shallow water on the same day.
When is the best time to dive Aruba?
Year-round: water is 79–84°F (26–29°C) and visibility is usually 60–100 feet. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so there is no real off-season.
Can I cancel?
Dive operators booked through Viator generally allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before; most local shops ask for 24–48 hours’ notice.
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