Diving and Snorkeling
With visibility of up to 90 feet, the waters around Aruba are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Advanced and novice divers alike will find plenty to occupy their time, as many of the most popular sites—including some interesting shipwrecks—are found in shallow waters ranging from 30 to 60 feet. Coral reefs covered with sensuously waving sea fans and eerie giant sponge tubes attract a colorful menagerie of sea life, including gliding manta rays, curious sea turtles, shy octopuses, and grunts, groupers, and other fish. Marine preservation is a priority on Aruba, and regulations by the Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species make it unlawful to remove coral, conch, and other marine life from the water, and the new Marine Park Foundation is ensuring the protection of the reefs. There are many snorkeling trips for all ages with large operators and DePalm Island also has excellent snorkeling.
Scuba diving operator prices vary depending on the trip. If you want to go all the way, complete open-water certification takes at least four days worth of instruction.
Aruba Pro Dive. The fact that this is a small outfit that only caters to small groups (six max) helps make each dive more personal, flexible, and unique. They also do night dives and all levels of PADI certification. Ponton 90, Noord, n/a Aruba. 297/582–5520; www.arubaprodive.com.
DePalm Pleasure Sail & Snorkeling. The luxury catamaran DePalm Pleasure offers three-stop snorkel trips to the island’s most popular fish-filled spots daily including the Antilla shipwreck. They also offer the option to try Snuba. Their romantic sunset sails are popular excursions. Buffet and open bar are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included unless they are within easy walking distance of their pier on Palm Beach. DePalm Pier, Palm Beach, Noord, n/a Aruba. 297/522--4400; www.depalmtours.com.
Native Divers Aruba. A small, personal operation, Native Divers Aruba specializes in PADI open-water courses. Ten different certification options include specialties like Multilevel Diver, Search & Recovery Diver, and Underwater Naturalist. Their boat schedule is also flexible, and it’s easy to tailor instruction to your specific needs. Marriott Surf Club, Palm Beach, n/a Aruba. 297/586-4763; www.nativedivers.com.
