Among the plethora of activities to enjoy in Aruba, probably one of the best to indulge in is diving. Although the diving here is not as superb as it is on the neighboring island of Bonaire, it is nonetheless pretty amazing. With over 42 dive sites that boast a tremendous wealth of marine plant and animal life, diving in Aruba is the perfect backdrop for an underwater adventure.

The coastal waters here are a lovely warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the underwater visibility an incredible 30 meters in many places. Both these factors coupled together, makes diving in Aruba perfect for all. The best dive sites are around Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina, where the water is calm and the marine life is abundant. If you wanted a more exciting diving experience, try out some power snorkeling. Here small motorized jet packs pull you quickly through the water offering some wonderful displays of coral along the way. Though you won’t be able to see much fish, as you will be going quite fast; you can get to explore a much wider area.

Pelican Adventures and Red Sail Sports are two popular dive operators in Aruba, where you can not only get PADI certifications, but you can also rent out equipment and boats as well. Aside from these operators own underwater tour packages, you can even customize your dives if you like, but for an extra fee. Both these companies also offer night dives.

One of the most popular dive spots in Aruba has to be the underwater wreckage of the Antilla, a large World War II German freighter ship that sunk here. On a clear day with a low tide, the ship is visible above the surface of the water. It is located in between the beaches of Malmok and Arashi. Here you can spot angelfish, moray eels, silversides, octopus and puffers too.

For advanced scuba divers, the California shipwreck in the island’s north is perfect place to catch a glimpse of a huge variety of fish and coral. Covered in sponges, anemones and plate coral, this wreck makes for a great place to explore.

If you are one of those people who is only interested in taking in the stunning underwater world here, the reefs off the coast of De Palm Island are plentiful with topical fish, barracudas and lobsters. Travel to the Kantil Reef or the Skalahein and Barcadera Reefs which are also noted scuba diving areas.