MUST DO WHEN IN ARUBA
Arashi beach is a great place to go!
(walk in from the Beach)
Located near the California Lighthouse on the North Western tip of the island.
“Go there by local bus: Use the ARUBUS (Service L10A) which runs by all the main hotels and will take you straight to the main parking area at Arashi beach. The bus runs once an hour from about 6:20am and the last bus leaves Arashi at 6:55pm. If you miss this one you will need to walk about a mile to the next stop which is serviced by bus number L10 until about 10:00pm. A return ticket will cost you $2. The drivers are always very friendly, eager to help .
There are two main areas to dive. As you stand facing the sea, the main reef is to your right, about 150 meters into the ocean. Look for a small white buoy floating in the water. This is the achor point for the boat trips, so it is a good pointer where to aim for when looking for the main reef. Be aware that the current can be very strong once you pass the reef.
On our visits there we saw a great variaty of tropical fish, including angel fish. The fish are often in large groups. We also saw 3 sea turtles, some octopus, crabs and crayfish. The water is usually pretty clear, but can get a bit murky on very windy days. This reef was my personal favourite spot.
The second area at Arashi is just off to your left from the parking area, right by the beach. The best place is in the area in front of the house next to the parking area. Here you will find the same fish you see in the main reef, but just smaller.
You are NOT allowed to bring shells back to many countries Many shells will often look dead, but there is still something living in it, especially the bigger shells. Best to leave them where they are.”
Of course, you'll find plenty more options like this all around Aruba. Many are popular among visiting snorkelers and divers and each has something unique to share.
Antilla wreck: A German freighter scuttled in 1941 when threatened by Allied forces, this wide-open ship allows divers to easily swim through it. One of the drawbacks is its popularity; lines sometimes form for photo opportunities. Nonetheless, you'll see a variety of sea life including octopi and eels.
Malmok Reef: This reef is located just south of the Antilla. Lobsters and stingrays make great photos, while huge and brightly colored sponges are also nice to see. A 1992-sunk fuel barge called the Debbie II attracts fish and barracuda.
Pedernales: This site contains all that is left of an American oil tanker torpedoed by a German submarine in 1942; much of the ship was hauled back to the U.S. for parts. However, cabins, washbasins, and other usually out-of-the-way sights are easy to see. Unusual sea life including squirrelfish and spotted eagle rays can often be seen, as well. This site is a favorite of novice divers and snorkelers at only 20 feet to 30 feet below.
Harbor Reef: This reef is located off the coast of Oranjestad and abounds with plants and coral. Divers will find the pilot boat wreck and colorful fish nearby. A barracuda and a pair of green moray eels seem intent on keeping divers on their toes.
Renaissance Island: Two sunken airplanes add a little mystery to this site because both are unclaimed drug runners and form an artificial reef. Both planes are intact and divers can sit in the cockpit - if they can make it past the eels, octopi, and crabs who jealously guard the seat. Snorkelers will have an easier time taking in the Beechcraft airplane, which is only 15 feet from the surface. To explore the Convair you'll need to dive to 40 feet. There is also a sunken barge at 12 feet under, just a little farther from shore. It is perfect for snorkelers who want to view colorful swarms of fish.
Sponge Reef: You'll find this reef - and its incredible array of colorful sponges - near the sunken airplanes of Renaissance Island. Take in the sights of elephant ears, tubes, vases, and baskets in hues from yellow to purple. Coral is also found in this area.
Barcadera Reef: Only a few miles from Oranjestad, this reef is unique because of its ability to accommodate both divers and snorkelers. It fluctuates between depths of 20 feet and 90 feet and is home to many types of coral, though there are plenty of brightly-colored fish as well.
Jane Sea wreck: Sunk to form an artificial reef, this former Venezuelan cement freighter was caught carrying cocaine and is now encrusted in many different types of coral and sponges. A few safety warnings: Watch out for the stinging fire coral; keep an eye out for moray eels, barracuda, lobsters, tropicals, and gorgonians; and watch your head on low-lying doorways at the radio room and mess hall.
De Palm Island: Although this is probably one of the most commercialized areas of Aruba, snorkelers can see plenty of colorful fish and even sleeping nurse sharks here. Water depths start at only 4 feet but drop off to 120 feet relatively quickly. Divers will likely reach this spot by boat, and may need to keep an eye out for barracuda.
Mike's Reef: Close to De Palm Island, this is considered one of Aruba's best reef dives. Here, huge clusters of gorgonians, brain coral, flower coral, and star coral compose most of the environment, though brightly-colored sponges have also grabbed some space. It is especially popular with underwater macro photographers, who specialize in close-up and extreme close-up photos.
Mangel Halto Reef: Off the coast of none other than Mangel Halto Beach, this reef has ledges and ridges that plunge to depths of 110 feet. You'll find plenty of marine life of just about every size, shape, and color. Sea turtles also pass by in early spring on their way to nearby beaches to lay eggs.
Isla de Oro Reef: Near the old fishing village of Savaneta, not far from a shore lined with mangroves, this reef is most often swept by a current, keeping visibility high. At its deepest, the reef reaches 120 feet, and you'll find plenty of coral-covered ledges and cave hideaways.
Commandeurs Reef: This sloping reef begins at about 40 feet and reaches depths of about 90 feet. The coral here attracts a lot of marine life, including snappers, groupers, and angelfish. Also keep an eye out for the occasional runner or barracuda.
The Tranquilo: Sail and Snorkel
Captain Anthony Hagedoorn
Phone: +297 586 1418
Cell-Phone: +297 594 2173
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: $ 75 per person.
This is the cruise that made us famous, thanks in no small way to Mom’s Dutch Pea Soup, but also the fact that you will sail to places you will never see on other cruises. Waist deep snorkeling and drift snorkeling on our breath-taking coral reef are two of the unique attractions you will enjoy. A stocked open bar is provided during this six hour cruise. Fishing enthusiast welcome! Remember to book early, for this one is in demand!
This cruise includes:
Open Bar, Sandwiches, Fresh fruits, Mom’s mouthwatering home made Dutch Pea Soup, Snorkel sets, Free lessons
Mi Dushi Sailing Adventures
Tel.: +297 586 2010
Welcome aboard "Aruba's Great Escape". Mi Dushi was built in 1925 and is one of the last great ships still cruising in the Caribbean. Every day her lockers are stocked, her anchors hoisted, and her sails set as she departs on her Sailing and Snorkeling adventures. Her Captain Jesus and his crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard and to have the opportunity to demonstrate that their experience is only outweighed by their spirit to serve. Guaranteed to be the highlight of your vacation!
"A TASTE OF ARUBA"
Fiesta Lunch Open Premium Bar
Departure dates: Tuesday thru Friday: 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Price: US$59.00 per person US$20.00 per child ages 6-14 years old
"SUNDOWN SAFARI"
Fiesta Snacks Open Premium Bar
Departure Dates: Tuesday and Thursday: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Price: US$35.00 per person (adults) US$20.00 per child ages 6-14 years old
"HAPPY HOUR CRUISE"
Fiesta Snacks Open Premium Bar
Departure Dates: Wednesday and Friday 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Price: US$25.00 adults US$20.00 per child ages 6-16 years old
Dive Operators
Visit Site for more info:
http://www.visitaruba.com/experience-aruba/attractions-and-activities/scuba-diving/
Taxi Services And Rates
The dispatch office is located at Pos Abou 41 behind the Eagle Bowling Palace on the Sasaki road.
Phone +297 582 2116 or +297 582 2010. Fax +297 583 6988
Taxis in Aruba do not have meters since rates are based on destination rather than mileage and are set by the Aruba Department of Public Traffic as follows:
Taxi fare rates* per trip
Download the new fare and regulations
Helpful Sites and Links:
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