DIVING AND WATERSPORTS

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Aruba offers some of the best shipwreck diving in the Caribbean.  The Pedernales Wreck features large pieces of a wreck spread out between coral formations.  Divers can see complete wash basins and pipe line systems remaining from this oil tanker, torpedoed during World War II by a German submarine.  The California Wreck near the lighthouse is nearly 100 years old and great site for advanced divers.

Measuring 400-feet in length, the Antilla Wreck is one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean.  This German freighter, serving as a supply boat for German U-boats, was intentionally sunk by her captain in 1940 rather than surrender her to Dutch authorities after the Germans invaded Holland.  Home to the nocturnal lobster and giant tube sponges, the Antilla is great for night dives.

In addition to wreck diving, there's reef diving. The offshore waters offer visibility up to 100 feet and 42 major dive sites provide an amazing variety of underwater activity.  Or dive or snorkel closer to the surface and enjoy (but don't touch!) the beauty of the coral formations.  The water averages around 78 degrees year round and teems with sea life including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray eel.

The beaches on the southern, leeward coast have sparkling white sand and turquoise waters that are safe to swim in any time of day all year long. There are also several little hidden bays around the island, as well as the Conchi, or natural pool, near Mt. Arikok. However, the waters on Atlantic side of the island are wild and often treacherous.

The constant 15-knot trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions, have made Aruba one of the most popular spots on earth for windsurfers.  Novices can take advantage of the gentler winds and wide choice of equipment and instructors along the island's southern shore, while experts can use any number of prime locations along the northern and southeastern coasts.  Each June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge Windsurfing Tournament. This 10-day competition attracts competitive professional windsurfers and hundreds of amateurs to the island.

Sailfish, white and blue marlin, wahoo, shark, barracuda, amberjack, kingfish, bonito, and blackfin and yellowfin tuna are among the species abundant for deep-sea fishing.  Or you can take it easy and cruise on a glass-bottomed boat or submarine.