The wreck diving capital of the Caribbean
Aruba is known for its many wrecks, from a Second World War freighter to sunken aircraft, alongside colourful reefs on the calm south-west coast. With warm water and good visibility, you can dive all year round.
Conditions
- Water temperature: about 26°C in winter to 29°C in summer.
- Visibility: usually 15 to 30 metres, depending on site and conditions.
- Season: year-round; April to June often has the calmest seas.
- Marine park: since 2018 about a quarter of Aruba's coastline is protected as Parke Marino Aruba.
Wrecks and dive sites
- Antilla wreck – WWII freighter off Malmok
- Renaissance Airplanes – two aircraft near Renaissance Island
- Jane Sea wreck – freighter covered in coral
- Arashi Airplanes – shallow plane wrecks
- California wreck – historic wreck on the north coast
- Mangel Halto – calm lagoon and reef near Savaneta
Other popular sites include the Pedernales, the remains of a tanker torpedoed in 1942 (about 8 metres, suitable for all levels), the sloping Barcadera Reef and the Kappel tugboat at Mangel Halto.
- Aruba dive site map – overview of more than 30 dive sites
- Top 10 snorkeling and diving spots – our favourite spots
Dive centres
- JADS Dive Center – diving from Baby Beach
- S.E. Aruba Fly 'N Dive – family-run dive school
- Aqua Windies – diving and aquafitness in Oranjestad
- Red Sail Sports – sailing and diving from Palm Beach
Tips
- Bring proof of certification and your logbook.
- Only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed on Aruba.
- Leave at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight home.
Last updated: September 2026.