Aruba is a solid scuba diving destination anchored by the Antilla β 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.
Planning a trip to Aruba?
One email before you go, with what is worth booking ahead and what is not. No weekly newsletter.
By submitting you agree we can email you about your Aruba trip. One or two emails, then nothing. Unsubscribe in one click from any of them.
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 β 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 β 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
Book a snorkel sail
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Highly ratedAruba Private Luxury Boat Tours – Sail, Snorkel, FishingΒ andΒ More
$385 / person
Check dates & book
Live prices from Viator · free cancellation up to 24 hours before · we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning Your Aruba Diving Itinerary
Most divers visiting Aruba plan at least two dives at the Antilla Shipwreck β the scale of the vessel means a single dive only reveals part of it. Day 1: dive the exposed hull and upper structures (18β22 metres). Day 2: explore the cargo holds and penetrate the engine room (22β27 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 5β15 metres is excellent for a third day if you want reef ecology rather than wreck diving β 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 β the full 3-day programme runs approximately $400β550 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.
π― Book Top-Rated Aruba Tours
Free cancellation on most. Prices shown are per person.
Planning your Aruba trip? Browse the best Aruba tours, top beaches and recommended hotels for honest reviews and direct booking.
4,000+ reviews Β· Free cancellation on most Β· Best price guaranteed
Frequently asked questions
What does a snorkelling trip in Aruba cost?
Snorkelling trips start at about $55 per person and typically include gear, instruction and two or three stops. Boats usually leave from Palm Beach.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Most trips provide flotation vests and the leeward-side sites are shallow and calm. Tell the crew if you are nervous in water and they will keep you near the boat.
What will I actually see?
The Antilla shipwreck is the headline site, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean and shallow enough to snorkel. Boca Catalina and Malmok are the reliable reef and turtle spots.
Can I cancel?
Most water trips offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you generally pay nothing upfront.
Bring Aruba Home With You
Authentic Aruba merch β designed by locals, shipped worldwide.
Turtle Side eyed Expression Unisex Garment-Dyed T-shirt
Asked Facebook Instead of Google T-Shirt
Aruba Turtle 'Why Be Moody When You Can Shake Your Booty' Graphic T-Shirt
Aruba Is The Best Island Sweatshirt β Island Flag Graphic Crewneck
Free cancellation β’ All major rental companies β’ Lowest price guarantee
✈️ Search Flights & Hotels to Aruba
Compare prices across airlines and hotels in seconds.
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
We are an independent Aruba travel guide. Our rankings are honest β we track live prices across 460+ tours and 180+ hotels, we update guides continuously, and no operator can pay for a better review. Read our editorial policy and who we are.
βοΈ Cheap Flights to Aruba
Live lowest round-trip fares found on Aviasales
π Airport Transfers
Pre-book a private transfer from Queen Beatrix Airport to your hotel
We earn a small commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.