Scuba in Aruba

Just south of the Antilla lie two other great sites with wrecks, the Pedernales and Malmok Reef with Debbie II. A shallow site at 35 feet, and also a good snorkel site, the torpedoed Pedernales features resident angelfish, groupers, and lobster. Malmok reef and the 1992 addition of Debbie II are at a maximum depth of about 70 feet. Brain and leaf corals, large barrel sponges, and schools of barracuda make this an interesting dive. Debbie II is a 120' fuel barge that now attracts schooling reef fish.

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (known as the ABC's) are in the southern Caribbean, well below the path typically traveled by hurricanes, and are warm, dry, and sunny year-round. The median temperature difference between summer and winter is only 4 degrees, with the average a balmy 82 F. Wind velocity averages 16 knots and rainfall is just 20 inches annually.

Shop 'til you drop is certainly possible in the many brightly painted, old Dutch colonial local and duty-free shops in Oranjestad and at the major hotels. Jewelry, designer clothes, electronics, cameras, china and crystal, perfume, liquors, you name it and you can probably find it in Aruba's shops. Best time to shop is when there isn't a cruise ship in port; downtown gets crowded when they all race down the gangplank. Local produce and handicrafts are for sale on cruise ship days near the port dock.

The many types of accommodations available in Aruba ensure something for everyone. Large, high-rise hotels, condominium units, low-rise beachfront resorts, and private homes host visitors in comfortable, affordable luxury. Casual restaurants, bars, casinos, nightlife, and international cuisine in quaint French, Italian, Chinese, and South American restaurants tempt guests with fabulous entrees and special entertainment.

Rental cars are available for an island tour, or jump on one of the scheduled tour buses. The sightseeing is well-worth spending a day exploring the northwestern windward coast with bold stretches of rocks and cliffs pounded by breaking seas and pre-Columbian cave markings. Drive south through San Nicholas past the new golf course to the lighthouse enjoying the huge cacti and European architecture sprinkling the landscape.

Old and young, families and honeymooners will find Aruba an island of surprises and imaginative individuality. © 2002 Linda Gettmann

Aruba Links

Aruba Tourism
Aruba On-Line
Visit Aruba
Dive Adventures
Protect Aruba Project
LaCabana Resort