Aruba 2-Tank Dive Excursion for Certified Divers – Explore the Caribbean's Most Remarkable Underwater Sites

Beneath Aruba's calm, azure Caribbean waters lies a world that few visitors ever see—a world of historic shipwrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and marine life that rivals any dive destination in the Caribbean. For certified divers, Aruba offers some of the region's most accessible and spectacular dive sites, from the famous 400-foot Antilla wreck to pristine reefs teeming with colorful fish. This 2-tank dive excursion takes you to the best of Aruba's underwater attractions, guided by PADI-certified dive masters who know these waters intimately.

Why Aruba is a Diver's Paradise

Aruba's position in the southern Caribbean, just outside the hurricane belt, creates ideal diving conditions year-round. The island's calm waters, excellent visibility (typically 50-100 feet), and diverse marine environments make it perfect for divers of all experience levels. But what truly sets Aruba apart is its combination of natural reefs and historic shipwrecks, creating dive sites that are both beautiful and fascinating.

The island's dive sites range from shallow reefs perfect for beginners to deeper wrecks that challenge experienced divers. The water temperature hovers around 80°F (27°C) year-round, making wetsuits optional for many divers. The calm conditions mean you can focus on exploring rather than fighting currents, and the excellent visibility ensures you'll see everything these sites have to offer.

Aruba's Premier Dive Sites

This 2-tank dive excursion takes you to a carefully selected combination of Aruba's most remarkable dive sites. Your exact itinerary will depend on conditions, your experience level, and what the dive masters determine will provide the best experience, but you can expect to visit sites from this impressive list:

The Antilla: Aruba's Crown Jewel

The SS Antilla is Aruba's most famous dive site and one of the Caribbean's largest accessible shipwrecks. This 400-foot German freighter was scuttled in 1940 and now rests in shallow waters, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers. For certified divers, the Antilla offers a completely different experience—you can explore the ship's interior, swim through cargo holds, and see parts of the wreck that are invisible from the surface. The wreck is covered in colorful corals, sponges, and marine growth, and attracts an incredible diversity of marine life, from schools of tropical fish to large barracudas and even the occasional sea turtle.

The Pedernales: A Piece of History

The Pedernales is another World War II-era wreck with a fascinating story. This ship was actually cut in half during the war, with one half serving as a breakwater in Aruba's harbor. The other half was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Today, divers can explore the ship's structure, which has become a thriving marine habitat. The Pedernales is shallower than the Antilla, making it perfect for divers who want to spend more time exploring.

Star Gerren: A Natural Reef

Unlike the historic wrecks, Star Gerren is a natural reef system that showcases Aruba's vibrant marine ecosystem. This site features healthy coral formations, diverse fish populations, and excellent visibility. It's perfect for those who want to see Aruba's natural underwater beauty, away from the shipwrecks. The reef supports everything from small colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species.

Skalahein: Hidden Gem

Skalahein is one of Aruba's lesser-known but equally impressive dive sites. This reef features dramatic underwater topography, with walls, swim-throughs, and caves that create an exciting diving experience. The site is less visited than the famous wrecks, meaning you'll often have it to yourself. The marine life here is abundant, and the unique underwater formations make it a favorite among experienced divers.

Fingers: Unique Underwater Formation

The Fingers dive site gets its name from finger-like rock formations that extend from the reef. These formations create interesting swim-throughs and provide habitat for a variety of marine life. The site offers both shallow and deeper areas, making it suitable for divers of different experience levels. The unique topography makes every dive here interesting, as there's always something new to discover.

Kantel Reef: Pristine Natural Beauty

Kantel Reef is another natural reef that showcases Aruba's healthy marine environment. This site features vibrant coral formations, diverse fish populations, and excellent visibility. It's perfect for photographers, as the clear water and abundant marine life provide endless photo opportunities. The reef is also home to smaller creatures like seahorses, nudibranchs, and various invertebrates that reward patient observers.

Your 2-Tank Dive Experience

Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from your hotel by SEARUBA FLY N DIVE. The drive to the dive site is typically short, as Aruba's compact size means most dive sites are easily accessible. At the dive center or boat, you'll meet your PADI-certified dive master, who will brief you on the dive sites, conditions, and safety procedures.

Your first dive will be at one of the sites mentioned above, selected based on current conditions and the experience level of your group. The dive master will ensure everyone is comfortable with their equipment and understand the dive plan before entering the water. Underwater, they'll guide you through the site, pointing out interesting features, marine life, and ensuring everyone stays safe while exploring.

Between dives, you'll have a surface interval—a required rest period that allows your body to eliminate excess nitrogen. This is a great time to relax, enjoy refreshments, share stories about what you've seen, and prepare for your second dive. The dive master will brief you on the second dive site, explaining what makes it special and what you can expect to see.

Your second dive will be at a different site, giving you the opportunity to experience the diversity of Aruba's underwater world. The dive master will select a site that complements your first dive, whether that's pairing a wreck with a natural reef, exploring different depths, or visiting sites with different types of marine life.

After your second dive, you'll return to shore, where you can rinse your equipment, change, and prepare for the drive back to your hotel. The dive master is always available to answer questions, provide recommendations, or discuss what you've seen underwater.

Why Choose This Dive Excursion

With 216 certified divers rating this experience 4.7/5, it's clear that this tour delivers exceptional diving. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Expert dive masters – PADI-certified professionals who know Aruba's dive sites intimately

• Diverse dive sites – Visit both famous wrecks and pristine natural reefs in one day

• Flexible itinerary – Dive sites selected based on conditions and your experience level

• Quality equipment – Top-quality dive gear available for rental if needed

• Small groups – More personalized attention and safer diving conditions

• Convenient logistics – Hotel pickup and drop-off included

• Year-round diving – Aruba's calm waters and excellent conditions make diving possible any time of year

What's Included and What to Bring

This 4-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation from local hotels, guidance from a PADI-certified dive master, and the opportunity to dive at two of Aruba's premier sites. Dive gear is available for rental if you don't have your own, though you're welcome to bring your personal equipment.

You'll want to bring:

• Your certification card – Required to participate

• Dive logbook – Helpful for the dive master to understand your experience level

• Sunscreen and hat – Protection during surface intervals

• Towel and change of clothes – For after your dives

• Underwater camera – To capture the incredible sights

• Water and snacks – Though some may be provided, it's good to have your own

The dive master will provide a thorough briefing before each dive, covering safety procedures, dive site layout, maximum depth, and what marine life you might encounter. They'll also ensure everyone understands hand signals and emergency procedures.

Booking Your Aruba Dive Adventure

At $99 for a 4-hour 2-tank dive experience that includes transportation, expert guidance, and access to Aruba's best dive sites, this represents excellent value. The opportunity to explore both historic shipwrecks and pristine natural reefs in one day is something that sets Aruba apart from other Caribbean dive destinations.

Operated by SEARUBA FLY N DIVE, this tour benefits from their local expertise and understanding of Aruba's dive sites. They know the best times to visit each site, what conditions to expect, and how to ensure every diver has a safe and memorable experience.

Advance booking is essential, especially during peak travel seasons when dive trips fill up quickly. Be sure to bring your certification card and let the operator know your experience level when booking, as this helps them select the best dive sites for your group.

Whether you're a newly certified diver looking for accessible, interesting sites or an experienced diver seeking new adventures, Aruba's 2-tank dive excursion offers something for everyone. The combination of historic wrecks, vibrant reefs, excellent visibility, and professional guidance creates an experience that will make you want to return to Aruba's waters again and again. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the underwater world that lies just beneath the surface of One Happy Island.