The island of Aruba is just 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, with a semi-arid topography bound by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Read the Aruba guide
Puerto Chiquito is a small, quiet entry point, with protected shallows for the kids, and an impressive drop off for the diver. A 100m South of the Southern 1A 4A intersection, turn West for 300m. Then turn left for 1km passing over the Spanish Lagoon. Turn right and wind your way for about 1.5 km. The entrance looks like a small dirt driveway.
Cabez Reef is only for the advanced diver, since it is just around the corner from the windward side of the island. Conditions are usually bad here, unless the winds come mainly from the North or Northwest. Talk to your local dive shop before attempting this dive. Follow the directions to Baby Beach, and head another km further East to the end of the road.
Mangel Halto Reef is exciting in that you practically walk on the water out to the reef edge before putting on your fins. There are two entries for this dive: one from a large sunning beach, and the other just North off the main road. A 100m South of the Southern 1A 4A intersection, turn West for 300m. Then turn left for 1km passing over the Spanish Lagoon. Turn right and wind your way for about 1km. You'll see the entrances on your right.
Saveneta Beach is a good sunning beach far from the crowds of the hotel area further North. Snorkeling is good in the shallows, and with a bit of a kick-out, the diver will be rewarded with a nice shelf to explore. 4.4 km South of the Southern 1A 4A intersection, turn West toward the beach. Follow the road for a few hundred meters until you see the entrance below.
Catalina Cove is slightly North of the more popular Boca Catalina. The entry is very easy for all levels. There are no facilities here, but a couple of nice shades from the Sun. Head to the North part of the island. About 600 m North of the Northern 1B 2B intersection, make a left turn on the paved road. You'll see the beach directly in front of you.
Usually we only list shore diving sites that can be accessed by car. You'll notice there is not a road to be seen on De Palm Island! De Palm Slope is listed as a shore dive because there is a nice passenger ferry that leaves from the mainland for an easy 800m ride. You may be charged extra for your gear. A 100m South of the Southern 1A 4A intersection, turn West for 300m. Then turn left for 500m. Then turn right before the Spanish Lagoon. Wind your way to the coast for 400m. You may park in the large dirt lot. The ferry will be down to your right.
Baby Beach is a very popular area for sunners, swimmers, snorkelers, kids, and, of course, divers. The protected cove offers a nice beach even in the worst of the weather. You'll find facilities and concessions here, as well. Are you ready for an adventure? Grab your map, and head to the Southern tip of the island to the community of Ceroe Colorado. Watch intersection distances carefully (since you'll seldom see a street sign!), drive through the community toward the ocean (not the refinery!), and you should begin to see the landmarks below.
Malmok Beach is for the more serious diver not in need of a large sunning beach. The site and entry are both easily accessible. Head to the North part of the island. About 100 m South of the Northern 1B 2B intersection, you'll see the small entry.
Sponge reef is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Aruba which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.
This is a popular site for diving, snorkeling and just relaxing in the sun. There are several shades in the area, and the beach is perfect for kids. Head to the North part of the island. About 500 m North of the Northern 1B 2B intersection, you'll see the beach on your left.
Santana Reef is for the more advanced diver. It is best to avoid this spot during times of difficult weather. When conditions are right, however, you can be rewarded with a pristine dive! Follow the directions to Baby Beach, and head 600m further East.
Boca Andicuri, also known as Natural Bridge, is a major tourist attraction, and rightly so. The bridge is an impressive tribute to the forces of nature that constantly pound this side of the island. During those rare moments of a Southerly wind, grab your gear and explore this rugged coast line! Special Update: It is with sadness that we report the100-foot-long, 25-foot-high coral bridge collapsed during the pre-dawn hours of September 2nd, 2005. The Aruba Tourism Authority attributes the mysterious collapse to 'the continually changing evolution of nature.' With a good map in hand, proceed due North out of Santa Cruz. After about 5 km of winding through the hills, you should reach the Northern coast line. Bear right on the hard-packed dirt road and travel Southeast for 2.5 km. If you miss the parking area below, get a new pair of glasses!
Shallow Reef is a relatively unknown site at the far North Western corner of Aruba. Just a kilometer away, the surf is pounding the North East coast, which is very pretty just to sit and watch during off-gassing. This site offers easy entry for both snorkelers and those advanced divers who wish to explore further out. Be careful of the currents here, since the site is so close to the tip of the islands. Head to the North part of the island. About 2.3 km North of the Northern 1B 2B intersection, you'll see several dirt turn-offs to the shore. You'll see the reef; hunt around a little for the landmarks below.
Boca Grandi is sparse, out-of-the-way beach area that offers good diving only when the conditions are right. You will rarely see people here; if you are looking for a private beach, this is it! Boca Grandi is on the East coast of the Southern tip of the island. Heading East out of San Nicolas, you'll come to a 'T' in the road with an anchor in the center (see the entrance for Bachelor's Beach). Bear left, then turn right in 500m into the parking area for the beach.
The YS-11 was the first aircraft of Air Aruba, operating between the "ABC" islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao as well as Caracas, Venezuela. It is 60 ft. long. Sonesta reef.
120 foot Fuel Barge sunk in 1992 as an artificial reef. Easy penetration near the Jane Sea Barge is also known as Fuel Barge.
Great plane dive. Easy penetration and a lot of fish Outside the Reef near the airport
Access from a boat. Arashi Reef is also known as Arashi Beach.
Bachelors Beach is only accessible when winds are from the West. Do not attempt this dive without a guide. Currents can surprise you. Bachelors Beach is on the East coast of the Southern tip of the island. Heading East out of San Nicolas, you'll come to a 'T' in the road with an anchor in the center. Bear right, then turn left in 300m on a hard-packed dirt road. The beach is straight ahead
Great place for kids and snorkelers. Go thru to the community of Ceroe Colorado on the southern tip of the island. Take care not to take the refinery road :) Baby Beach is also known as Baby Beach Reef.
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Aruba are Puerto Chiquito (4.6 from 20 reviews), Cabez Reef (4.7 from 7 reviews) and Mangel Halto Reef (4.5 from 30 reviews).
The top-rated beginner sites are Boca Catalina Cove (4.5 from 17 reviews), Baby Beach Reef (4.4 from 27 reviews) and Sponge reef (5.0 from 1 review).
Puerto Chiquito, Cabez Reef, Mangel Halto Reef and Savaneta Beach are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
Cabez Reef (4.7 from 7 reviews).
Zentacle lists 9 dive shops in Aruba. The top-rated are Aruba Bob Snorkel & Scuba (5.0 from 255 reviews) and Palm Beach Divers Aruba (4.9 from 126 reviews).
