Diving Aruba
There is plenty of wonderful diving to be enjoyed on Aruba, particularly along its sheltered southwestern coastline. Aruba has over 42 diving sites and is famous for it’s wreck dives and interesting coral formations. Wrecks include the 400-foot Antilla wreck, the largest wreck in the Caribbean. Aruba’s marine life includes stingrays, moray eels, manta rays, barracudas, and yellow tail. The best dive sites run between depths of 30 to 100 feet. There is little or no current with typical calm surface conditions.
Best time to dive
Temperatures change little from season to season so the main influence on diving is the trade winds. The trade winds blow year-round, but are highest from January through April. If the weather is bad on Venezuela’s coast, water visibility can be decreased in Aruba.
Visibility
Visibility is often 80+ feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures average 80 to 84 °F.
Weather and climate
Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt. With its cooling trade winds, low humidity, and average temperature of 82°F, Aruba’s climate is perfect for diving. Brief rain showers fall in late October through December.
Language
Dutch is the official language, but nearly everyone on the island is able to speak English and Spanish. Papiamento is a unique and native language also spoken in Aruba.
Passport/Visa requirements
Passports are not required of U.S. and Canadian citizens: just a birth certificate along with a picture ID or an Alien Registration Card or re-entry permit for immigrants living in those countries. All other travelers must bring a valid passport and a visa.
Currency
Aruban Florin (U.S. dollars are excepted most everywhere) – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 volts AC is available at many locations. It is recommended to use surge protectors with sensitive equipment.
Capital
Oranjestad
General information
Aruba is the westernmost of the Caribbean islands. Aruba lies 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela and 42 miles west of Curacao. The island covers an area of 70 square miles, 20 miles at its longest and 6 miles at its widest. Approximately 81,000 people reside here full time, and more than 540,000 visit during the course of a year. The southern, leeward side of the island is famous for its long stretches of powdery white sand beach, while the northern coast features a rugged and dramatic landscape and secluded coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Map
Get a map of Aruba from WorldAtlas.com.