Diving Aruba

[Rondo]

We dive there about every year,the best diving is the south coast lots of pilar coral you won't find in Mexico.

Use one of the small ops mentioned for more trips to south coast,the big ops tend to dive closer and easier sites but they do go south on some days.

Some of the best dives like Depalm slope (so.coast) can vary in depth from 110 ft. to 25 ft. depending how it's approached so be prepared for varied depths.

The wrecks like Janes Sea are about 70ft.,the Antilla is so big it varies from 60 ft. to snorkel depth, we were able to do a penetration last year but very few ops will let peple in now beacause the last hurricane made it abit unsafe.

I really like Aruba diving but you have to pick and choose the sites,some really aren't worth the dive in my opinion,others are spectacular(even better than Coz. in some ways).

We've dove several ops,we now use Unique sports, Pelican is good,I think Ciive or Dive Aruba would be good bets,Red sail is fine if you're a beginner and don't mind huge cattle boats,and cruise ship contracts,but their boats are very comfortable.

 

[Ice9]

Also, after the dives I recommend the Kukoo-Kunuku Paranda Bus.

Now thats a party!

 

[boulderjohn]

Yes, the diving on Aruba is good, but it is not in the class of its neighbors, Bonaire and Curaçao. Both of those islands have spectacular sites; I never saw anything in Aruba I would call spectacular.

But you can have a good time. I dove with both Clive and Pelican, and I much preferred Clive. However, you should be aware that he is a one man operation, so you will not have as many people involved with the operation. If he is in the water with you, there is no one on the boat. If he is on the boat, there is no one in the water. If you are fine with that, he is a great operator to use.

 

[silverfish]

JADs is my favorite operator in Aruba. We also did a few dives with Mermaid, but they did not compare with the service and sites JADS took us to. JADs only takes small groups and JP (the shop owner) is a real stickler for safety. They are located at Baby Beach on the less "touristy" end of the island. Away from the hotels. Don't be afraid to dive near the refinery on the island, there is lots to see there, it is beautiful. We did day and night dives near it and found abundant animals and coral. FYI, I do not recommend diving Baby Beach without a DM. It can be really tricky getting out without being thrashed about.The locals told me that you could not compare Bonaire or Curacao because all three islands are so different. I don't think you should compare Cozumel and Aruba at all, they are too different. I have not done B or C yet. Have fun in Aruba!

 

[PePaw]

Dive with Clive.
I enjoyed the Antilla, Jane Sea and Airplane wrecks. The reefs are okay but the abundance of schooling fish was at times amazing.

 

[gustele]

I agree completely with Greg. Probably because of its beautiful white sandy beaches the coral is less developed. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't go there. The reefs are still nice and Aruba has a number of wrecks that are well worth a trip.
I second Ontwreckdiver in the choice of dive operator. I learnt diving with Romeo Croes (Native Divers) and since then I went back regularly to dive with him. He has a small boat and often lets his guests determine where to go.