Diving in Aruba

Diving in Aruba

What about the climate in Aruba?

Aruba dive holidays are located in a hot, tropical maritime climate. Although it can get incredibly hot in this tropical island, for the most part, temperatures are comfortably pleasant. The weather for Aruba dive holidays are described in one word: gorgeous. With annual temperatures which hover around 81°F (27°C), dive accommodations in Aruba maintain a consistent mercury measurement all year long. Even in the winter months, temperatures are hot, with the average highs reaching 86°F (30°C) in January. Average lows can dip to 76°F (24°C) in January. Plus, January saw a record high of 90°F (32°C) and a record low of 66°F (19°C). Summer temperatures climb a bit higher, but it never gets too hot thanks in part to the trade winds from the Atlantic. Average August highs will climb to 90°F (32°C) while lows drop to 80°F (27°C). The record high temperature ever set in Aruba was set at 96°F (36°C). For blue skies with constant sun, a dive holiday in Aruba is the spot to choose. Yet, it stays dry on this island. Also featuring a semi-arid environment, the flat landscape of Aruba sees very little precipitation throughout the year. This is good news during the November hurricane season, because Aruba dive destinations sit well below the Caribbean hurricane zone.

Aruba climate at a glance:

  • Hot and tropical climate all year
  • Annual temperatire of 81°F (27°C)
  • Winter high temperatures reach 86°F (30°C)
  • Summer high temperatures reach 90°F (32°C)
  • Never gets too hot

Facts about


Area69 mi2 (179 km2)
Population101,484
Area Code+297

Looking for a diving holiday in Aruba?

A dive vacation in Aruba is known around the world for the beautiful expanses of beaches on the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along with its brethren, Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba is part of the ABC islands which were made by the sea gods for perfect dive vacations. Diving in Aruba means sunny beaches, hot waters and relaxation. With large expanses of uncrowded beaches and scenic vistas coupled with plenty of diving schools and dive resorts, Aruba diving travelers use adjectives such as “gorgeous” and “breathtaking” to describe this awesome island. In fact, Aruba is actually a Dutch island. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba islanders share Dutch citizenship with Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands themselves. However, dive travelers do not seek this tropical paradise for the waters alone. With more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of hiking trails in the Arikok National Wildlife Park, dive travelers will enjoy walking among the twisted forests of the divi-divi trees, waving at the cactus’s and exploring abandoned gold mines. In addition, this park hosts unique rock formations at Casibari and Ayo plus a variety of caves formerly home to the islands first inhabitants. Yet, Aruba is an expensive trip for dive travelers, so a proper budget is necessary before flying into the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad.

Diving in Aruba at a glance:

+ Many international flights to and from the island+ Beautiful weather all year+ Many opportunities for diving, including shipwrecks+ Many other activities in and around the island

- Can be expenisive- Incredibly crowded during the high season- Be wary of seedy areas, especially at night

What you will see when diving in Aruba:

When on a diving vacation in Aruba divers are treated to all sorts of wonderful marine life which will leaves them breathless as they reach for the underwater camera. From the shipwrecks and plane wrecks to the colorful coral reefs and natural rock habitats, Aruba's dive sites are full of underwater animals. Divers will be treated to Eagle rays, huge sea fans, colorful corals, Moray eels, Groupers, Yellow tails, Lobsters, Spider crabs Sting Rays, Snappers, Manta Rays, Barracudas, Octopus, Sea turtles and many, many tropical fish from big to small, among many other sea creatures.

Accommodation in Aruba:

Aruba knows just what its divers need for an ideal diving vacation. In terms of accommodations, divers will find camps, hostels, hotels, resorts, apartments and more when visiting Aruba. Many places offer diving packages to go along with their accommodation offers.

Other recreational activities in Aruba:

Divers do not have to only hit the dive sites because Aruba is full of many activities to enjoy while on a diving vacation. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular pass times in Aruba and divers can find many schools around the island. In addition, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, snorkeling, sailing and horseback riding are popular. Day trips to the California Lighthouse, the Natural Bridges, the Ostrich Farm, the Natural Pool, the Donkey Sanctuary and the Arikok National Park also come highly recommended by divers from around the world.

Airports nearby:

Flights to Aruba are easy to find. Most planes will touch down at the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad which services the island.

Rental Car:

Renting a car comes recommended in Aruba in order to visit all the sites divers wish to see when on a diving vacation in the lovely Caribbean.

Remember:

Sportbay offers many affordable and last minute deals for the 2012 and 2013 diving season. Dive deeper to find more.



Where are the best dive spots in Aruba?

With a variety of reefs, wrecks and caves, there is a dive spot for every level of diver in Aruba. Most of Aruba's choice dive sites are located on the southern coast.

The north coast of the island is constantly battered by swells and the waters are full of undertows which makes for dangerous dives. Diving on the northern coast is recommended for expert divers only.

However, with a many coves and reefs, the island itself protects Aruba's southern coast dive spots.

One of the best dive spots in Aruba is the Mas Bango Reef. This reef starts at 5 feet (1.5 meters) and drops down to 130 feet (40 meters). With a city of coral as a backdrop, divers will enjoy the big jacks, Barracudas, seahorses and shrimp which call this dive spot home.

The Kantil, Barcadera and Plonco Reefs also feature beautiful coral dives full of Parrot-fish, Moray eels, sponges and fans.

Aruba also features many wrecks to explore. The most famous is the Antilla Wreck. Also known as the “Ghost Ship”, the Antilla is a scuttled German freighter which was sunk by its captain rather than turning it over to his enemies during WWII. Located at 60 feet (18 meters), the Antilla is a must dive spot on Aruba.

For more Aruba dive accommodations, sink into Sportbay.

Questions or comments?

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