Friends, the ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—aren’t just sun-soaked gems in the southern Caribbean; they’re home to some of the world’s most spectacular scuba diving experiences.
If you’re craving underwater adventures filled with vibrant coral reefs, legendary wrecks, and crystal-clear visibility, this is your paradise. In this guide, we’ll break down how to explore the top dive sites across all three islands in four clear and exciting steps.
Step 1: Build Your Route
Start by deciding the order of your island-hopping dive adventure. Each island has an international airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba, Flamingo International Airport (BON) in Bonaire, and Hato International Airport (CUR) in Curaçao. Round-trip flights from the U.S. or Europe average between €300–€450 depending on the season.
Inter-island flights via local carriers like Divi Divi Air or EZAir cost around €120 one-way and take about 30 minutes. Allow at least 3–4 days per island to truly experience the dives and unwind between adventures.
Accommodation varies widely, but you can find comfortable guesthouses or dive resorts ranging from €80 to €150 per night, often with dive packages included.
Step 2: Dive Into Aruba
Aruba’s waters are famed for dramatic shipwrecks and unique underwater structures. One of the most iconic dive spots here is the SS Antilla, a massive sunken freighter now covered in vibrant coral and home to sea turtles and moray eels. Nearby, the Pedernales Wreck offers shallower exploration, ideal for beginner divers.
Dive operators like Red Sail Sports and Pure Diving Aruba offer two-tank dives from €80–€95, including gear and boat transport. Don’t miss Punta Basora on the island’s southeastern tip—this advanced shore dive features deep drop-offs and vibrant marine life. Aruba’s visibility is generally 20–30 meters, especially between April and October.
Step 3: Explore Bonaire's Shores
Often referred to as the “shore diving capital of the world,” Bonaire offers over 60 dive sites accessible straight from the beach. The best part? No boats required. Rent a pickup truck for around €40/day and drive right up to marked dive spots like 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, and Oil Slick Leap.
Before diving, purchase the mandatory Marine Park Pass—€22 for snorkelers and €40 for divers (valid for one year). Bonaire’s reefs are some of the healthiest in the Caribbean, teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and frogfish.
Local dive shops such as Dive Friends Bonaire offer unlimited air packages from €100/week, making it incredibly cost-effective for daily diving.
Step 4: Curaçao’s Coral Kingdom
Curaçao combines Bonaire’s shore-diving ease with Aruba’s dramatic topography. The island’s west coast features colorful reefs, sponge gardens, and drop-offs within meters of the beach. Dive into sites like Playa Kalki, Alice in Wonderland, and the famous Tugboat—a sunken vessel encrusted in coral and ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.
You’ll need a rental car (around €35/day) to reach most dive sites. Entry is usually free, but you must purchase the Curaçao Marine Park tag for €9 per diver. Dive centers like The Dive Bus and Ocean Encounters offer guided shore or boat dives starting from €60–€85.
With water temperatures hovering at 28–30°C year-round and visibility averaging 30 meters, Curaçao is a diver’s dream.
Conclusion
Diving the ABC Islands is more than just a vacation—it’s an unforgettable odyssey beneath the sea. Whether you’re floating beside the giant hull of a sunken freighter in Aruba, gliding through coral gardens in Bonaire, or watching a school of blue tangs swirl through Curaçao’s reefs, every dive is a new discovery.
So, Lykkers, are you ready to trade city streets for sandy shores and reefs teeming with life? Dive into this adventure and let the Caribbean’s underwater wonders take your breath away—one splash at a time.
