Aruba scuba diving can be one of the most exhilarating and beautiful experiences in your life, if done correctly. Aruba is one of the best spots in the world to go scuba diving. Aruba scuba diving is perfect for the beginner, intermediate or advanced scuba diver. From the many water species to the multitude of shipwrecks you will find something for everyone with Aruba scuba diving.
If you are the adventurer seeker, you will want to check out some of the awesome Aruba scuba diving in and around the many ship wrecks in the area. However if you are into quite feeling like Indiana Jones go with the easier scuba diving tours and just check out the many various species of tropical fish Aruba has to offer. Aruba scuba diving is really the perfect destination for people of all ages.
Aruba scuba diving is tourist friendly and you will have a very good time. There are many Aruba scuba diving shops set up all over the area for an easy time of buying or renting equipment. And if you are on a budget you will see that Aruba scuba diving prices are affordable enough for the whole family to go and have fun.
Just check out this awesome video I found on Youtube from a recent Aruba scuba diving trip!
Aruba Scuba Diving and The Shipwrecks
Now that you have seen that video are you starting to see why so many people enjoy Aruba scuba diving? One of the biggest reasons for the popularity is the wrecks and one in particular. That is the wreck of the Antilla. The Antilla was a 400' cargo ship that was sunck shortly after World War 2 broke out. The Antilla is a splendid site to behold while scuba diving in Aruba.
Here is a little history about the cargo ship Antilla. During World War 2 the captain decided it was better to sink the Antilla than to have it taken over by enemy hands. It was sunk in Aruban waters as the crew decided it was better to be POWs under Dutch care at the time.
Now as far as Aruba scuba diving near a wreck there really is none more perfect than the Antilla. This is a very large shipwreck that rests in 55' of crystal clear water. In fact there are many areas of the Antilla that can be explored by snorkeling. The one thing to remember about the Antilla is it is the most popular and most accesible shipwreck in the area nad it can get quite crowded. So you may want to ask around and find out when the best time to visit the Antilla is. Usually early morning will find the area less crowded and can be much more enjoyable. Not only that there is something very serene and peaceful with the early morning water.
Although the Antilla may be the biggest and most well known shipwreck in Aruba, it is not the only one. In fact, there are several shipwrecks to explore scuba diving in Aruba. There is another wreck nearby of the ship Pedernalis, although there is not much left to this poor ship. However, you can still find some unexploded bombs lying around it. There are also some airplane wrecks as well as some other smaller ships that can be explored. Some of these are much harder to find without the use of a guide and can be more dangerous. So please keep that in mind while thinking about checking these other wrecks out.
Here is a video that explores a little more of the history and life of the Antilla. There is also wonderful video footage from the Aruba scuba diving video showing the final resting of the Antilla.
Aruba Scuba Diving Shops
If you are visiting Aruba on a vacation, chances are you will not be bringing all of your own equipment. However, stranger things have happened in Aruba. For the moment I'm going to assume you will be needing to rent out some of your scuba gear. For that reason alone there are excellent Aruba scuba diving shops in the area. Many of these shops specialize in daily and weekly rentals. Many of these same shops also offer tours and transportation to various dive spots in the area. Depending on which Aruba scuba diving shop you stop in will depend on how much insider diving tips you will get. Also some are very professional while others may somewhat lack that quality.
If you are a beginner or just want a shop that may take things a little slower you may want to look into JADS Dive Center. JADS caters to every diver out there regardless of there experience level. From the beginners all the ways to the fully experienced. JADS is an easy going and helpful Aruba scuba diving shop that specializes in diving all around the south coast. The south coast has some of the most beautiful and interesting dives around. JADS is located down at Baby Beach.
Another excellant Aruba scuba diving shop is Mermaids Sport Divers. These guys are serious and they really know what they are talking about. They are geared a little more toward experienced divers, but are still helpful to the newbies who are just starting out. These guys are real divers and are not going to coddle you so be prepared. If you are looking for the all out experience these are the go to guys for dives.
Aruba Scuba Diving Pricing
As with any other sport or recreation Aruba scuba diving pricing is going to vary by business and season. However it seems as though a single dive will run you anywhere from 40.00 to 100.00. I know that is a wide range, but it all depends on how long you are going out for and where you are going to go to. Some of the more difficult dives and longer dives are going to be a bit more expensive. However it is still reasonable for the amount of fun and enjoyment you are going to have. And many Aruba scuba diving shops offer various specials and discounts if you ask or call ahead. For example Mermaids will give you a free dive if you find a seahorse while diving with them!
If you have never dived before and want to give it a shot, check out JADS. They offer a class where you can learn to dive in a day! At the time of this writing it was only 99.00 for this beginners course. What a great way to go if you want to try out a new hobby. No sense to go out and spend a lot of money on equipment and classes if you might not even like it. So give it a shot for the day and if you like it take the time to learn more and become certified. So whether you are a total beginner or you know diving like the back of your fins go and try Aruba scuba diving!
