One particularly vibrant section of Aruba’s surrounding coral reefs, Mike’s Reef is known among underwater photographers as a macro hot-spot.
Another of Aruba’s wrecks, The Pedernales was an oil tanker torpedoed during WWII. Today she sits in fairly shallow water and is ideal for beginners.
The Antilla is one of the best Caribbean wrecks. A German freighter scuttled during WWII, today she sites at 45ft (18m) and extends to the surface.
Aruba’s dry season lasts from about April to November. During these months, the island will be extremely dry and sunny, experiencing consistently calm weather. Sea conditions remain steady throughout the season with sea temperatures at 85°F (29°C) and air temperatures approximately 89°F (31°C). The dry season is recommended for those who value both beach time and dive time.
Finally, remember that while other Caribbean islands are suffering through hurricane season during these months, Aruba is located on the far southern edge of the hurricane belt and is rarely at risk of these massive storms.
The rainy season on Aruba begins in December and lasts until March. These four months will bring a brief daily downpour to the island. You can expect only slightly cooler temperatures both in and out of the water. Air temperatures average 85°F (29°C) and water temperatures drop to 79°F (26°C). The only disadvantage to visiting at this time of year is the increased activity of mosquitos.
If you don’t mind the mosquitos, travel to Aruba during the rainy season. This is the low season, so you’ll find better deals on both diving and accommodation.
When it comes down to it, any time is the best time to dive in Aruba. The marine life is unchanged between seasons. You can feel comfortable in the knowledge that you’ll experience great diving during any month of the year.
Seahorses and turtles, like the loggerhead and green varieties, are the most common residents in the fields of seagrass off the northwestern coastline of Aruba, and an array of tropical fish are found in the ecosystems of the reefs. Species such as grouper, moray eels, mantas, stingrays and lobsters are all occasionally seen at sites accessible to every level of diver.
On the southern coastline wrecks, hoards of angelfish roam the decks and green morays gape and yawn whilst partly visible in the natural crevices of the brain, flower or mountain coral. Enormous tube sponges cover the structures and provide additional cover to the many lobster found near the hulls of the boats and planes.
For better readability of the table, pass into the landscape mode.
