Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat - Aruba Leeward Coast

Little Wall sometimes gets overlooked for its more famous neighbours in Komodo, but we think that's a mistake. This site is exactly what it sounds like: a charming, miniature wall dive that drops to about 22m, perfect for when you want a break from the rip-roaring drift dives Komodo is famous for. We've often found ourselves here on days when the currents are a bit too feisty elsewhere, and it's always delivered. You'll spend most of your dive tracing the contours of the limestone wall, where bracket corals jut out like miniature shelves and common mushroom corals dot the shallower sections. Keep an eye out for peacock-tail anemone shrimp doing their little dance and the surprisingly vibrant darklined fire worms. We’ve spotted sleepy lobsters tucked into crevices and, on a good day, a leatherback sea turtle cruising by. Visibility averages around 18-25m, offering clear views of the busy reef fish. This is a wonderfully relaxed dive, ideal for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time exploring without battling a strong current. It’s also a good choice for newer divers building confidence in wall environments.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.514600, -70.044100
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Zuidkust

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site is 19 meters. This makes it a suitable dive for a range of recreational certification levels, allowing divers to explore the artificial reef within safe limits.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat?
Divers at Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat can explore the fascinating Star Gerren, a German ship intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. This unique wreck lies on its side and features numerous openings, allowing for exciting swim-throughs. As a wall dive, it also offers interesting topography to observe.
What is the difficulty level of the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While beginners with proper training and supervision might be able to manage, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience due to its characteristics as a wreck and wall dive.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat for optimal conditions and visibility?
The average visibility at Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat is an excellent 17 meters, providing clear views of the wreck and surrounding features. Specific data regarding the absolute best time of year or day for optimal conditions is not provided in the current information. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat?
Given the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 19 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. However, for divers wishing to fully explore the wreck's swim-throughs and gain more confidence, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Wreck Diver specialty course would be highly beneficial.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical current or water conditions at the Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat dive site. However, the average visibility is noted as an excellent 17 meters. For up-to-date local conditions, it is always recommended to check with local dive operators in Aruba before your dive.