FAQs · Destination Guide
Wreck-rich Caribbean diving with steady trade winds and easy logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
September to December often brings calmer seas and smooth boat rides, which help with descent control and viz on Antilla, Jane Sea, and Pedernalis. Jan to May is also very diveable, with a bit more wind that favors early starts and protected leeward routes. Jun to Aug can be choppier under stronger trades, so pick south-coast pockets and morning charters.
Fill out the online ED-Card up to 1 week before travel. During the process, air arrivals pay a $20 ED sustainability fee. Keep your QR handy for arrival checks. US, Canadian, and many EU citizens are visa-exempt for short tourist stays with a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Aim for leeward bays on the west and south coasts. Mangel Halto's lagoon and nearby reefs offer protected shallows, while boat trips to the shallow Pedernalis wreck are popular on calm days. Go in the morning when winds are lighter, wear a vest, and use a surface float where boats transit.
The marquee trio is Antilla for size and history, Pedernalis for shallow WWII wreckage, and Jane Sea for an upright freighter with schooling fish. Debbie II and Star Gerren add variety nearby. Depths run roughly 10 m to 30 m, ideal for Open Water and Advanced divers.
No. Aruba manages four Marine Protected Areas under the Aruba Conservation Foundation. Divers must obey site rules and use moorings, but there is no separate diver user tag. If you visit Arikok National Park on land, you will need a Conservation Pass.
Buses run frequently along the resort corridor and to the airport, with day passes available on Arubus routes. Taxis are regulated with fixed fares and no meters, plus small surcharges at night, Sundays, or for luggage. There is no rideshare network, so plan with buses, taxis, or rentals.
Nesting generally occurs March to September, with hatchlings emerging May to November. Respect barricades, minimize light, and give volunteers space as they monitor nests. You may encounter signage at Eagle Beach and other sites during these months.
For any emergency dial 911. The Horacio Oduber Hospital in Oranjestad operates a 24/7 Emergency Department at +297-527-4000. For dive-related injuries, call the DAN Emergency Hotline at +1-919-684-9111 to coordinate local care and medical advice.
Expect warm water year-round. Most divers are comfortable in a 3 mm shorty or full suit, with rashguards for surface sun. Wind can add chill during surface intervals, so bring a light wind layer for boat rides.
Aruba offers some excellent shore-access dives, especially on the south coast at Mangel Halto, Pos Chiquito, and Hole in the Wall. However, many signature wrecks are best done by boat. Plan a mix of shore practice days and wreck charters for the fullest experience.