Aruba is one of the three islands which make up the ABC Islands of the Netherlands Antilles, located in the Caribbean. This is a popular diving destination with many dive centres located in Oranjestad, the capital city, and the towns Noord, San Nicolas, Savaneta and Paradera. Aruba is a picturesque Caribbean tropical island with luscious palm trees and sparkling turquoise waters.

The beauty above water is matched with the stunning underwater sights as the highlight of diving in Aruba are the high number of shipwrecks which lie at many different depths. Aside from shipwrecks, there are a wide array of different kinds of dive sites including vibrant reefs, Seagrass environments, many steep wall dives and many more.

The warm waters year round make diving here just that much more pleasant. Many of the dive sites lie close to shore allowing for easy access and more time to enjoy the island above water as well. 

Aruba has the expected climate of a tropical island in the Caribbean; warm all year round. The island technically has two seasons; the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from April to November when the air temperatures are at their warmest at 31 degrees Celsius and the water temperatures are 29 degrees Celsius. The wet season means that every day there is a chance of a rain shower, however, this does not hinder diving. The water temperatures drop down to 26 degrees Celsius and the air temperatures down to 29 degrees Celsius.

Diving here is possible year round and luckily for divers, the marine life here is also constant throughout the year. 

There are many types of diving that can be done here that are bound to excite many divers of all levels and with all kinds of interests. What many divers come here for are definitely the shipwrecks. There are a plethora of shipwrecks here which lie at different depths, have created their own ecosystems and some of which have been scuttled and some which ended up on the seabed involuntarily, all equally impressive though.

Aside from the shipwrecks there are also colourful, marine life filled reefs, steep drop offs, airplane wrecks, pinnacles and more! The dive centres here offer many dive courses and guided dives, including night dives. 

With the many different marine environments including the seagrass, the coral reefs and the artificial reefs created by the many shipwrecks, there are many species of marine flora and fauna which live amongst one another for divers to admire. The reefs here are made up of species including Tube Sponges, Brain Corals, Flower Corals and many more Sea Sponge and Coral Species. The marine fauna attracted to these includes fish such as Angelfish, Groupers, Squirrelfish, Barracuda, Jacks and more.

Other species include Moray Eels, the majestic Seahorses, Loggerhead Turtles, Green Sea Turtles, Lobsters, Crabs, Stingrays and many more. On the luckiest of days, divers can also spot the graceful Manta Rays. The reefs are often seen blanketed by large schools of colourful reef fish with a background of turquoise waters. 

SS Antilla is the most popular shipwreck in Aruba. This was a German cargo ship which was scuttled in 1940. This ship is 120 metres long and lies at 14 metres so accessible even to novice divers. Divers can penetrate this large and impressive structure and admire the many corals encrusted on it and the many fish which fill the many compartments.

Shallow reef lies off of the north of the island and is a great reef dive for advanced divers. The currents here can be quite strong but it allows drift dives over these colourful and vibrant reefs and their many inhabitants.

Penerdenales was an oil tanker sunk in the Second World War in 1942. It lies at only 10 metres deep which is why it is a favourite among novice divers and those wanting their first wreck diving experience. Here it is not only the coral encrusted structure to see but also many artefacts including pipelines, toilets and the inside of the cabins. Many Groupers have made this wreck their home.