How is Aruba diving?

[waynel]

Been to the Keys and Cozumel. We have 10 days in June to dive somewhere and I'm going crazy making a decision. I've been researching the ABC islands but don't see much on Aruba. In fact, I don't see much at all as far as diving in Aruba. It's a longer trip than the other islands we can hit, but is the diving in Aruba better?

 

[blawler1]

Aruba, while not quite the same as Bonaire or Cozumel, has some pretty good diving and has the most top side activities of any Caribbean dive destination. There are some nice wreck dives and boat reef dives as well as a number of very good shore dives which can help keep your costs down and let you pick your schedule. Expect 60' to 90' visibility (typically better than the Keys) and water in the mid to upper 80s (in summer).

 

[427Dave]

We have been going to Aruba now for close to 10 years. There are some neat wrecks, Jean Sea, Attilla, Sonesta Airplanes and etc. There are some nice reefs also. I haven't gotten tired of any of the sites and have done most now quite a few times.

I have been going out with Unique Sports for about 8 years. they are a top notch dive shop and have bought out Pelican Dives.

Great place to go and lots of other activities also.

Dave

 

[highlandfarmwv]

I went with Dive Aruba (www.divearuba.com). Each 2nd tank was a drift dive. That was fun! He also did wreck and reef dives. I had just gone to Aruba from a week at Bonaire, and I enjoyed the Aruba dives more for the variety. The vis was not as good as Bonaire, but it was still very good.

 

[LeFlaneur]

Just got back. Also went with Dive Aruba. I posted a trip report here: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=185473

 

[master_diver_UJ]

I was in Aruba last week & did three days of two tank diving & had a great time. While visibility of low one of the days, for the most part it was 60 - 90 feet, the water was warm, and the dive shop was very accomodating. This was my first opportunity to dive on wrecks, and I really enjoyed it.

I went with SEAruba searuba.com. They have a small shop by the airport, two boats, and a great crew. I'm putting together a dive report & will have it posted later today.

John

 

[alashas]

We had a great time on Aruba 2 years ago and also dove with Clive of Dive Aruba. We were still very new to scuba and thought it was a great place to improve our diving a bit, and Clive is an excellent DM. Did our first night dive with Clive, and the Antilla is a fascinating wreck dive. Reefs were fairly healthy and saw plenty of typical reef fish. Snorkeling is very good at the northern end of the island where we rented a villa.

Aruba has some excellent beaches, very good restaurants, and grocery stores that are well stocked and not outrageously priced.

I haven't gotten around to editing my UW shots yet, but here's Aruba above the water: http://honeymoon2.smugmug.com/gallery/2578035#135791050

Cheers, alashas