Hole in the Wall - Aruba Leeward Coast

Luncheon Bay West feels like a secret passage. You drop onto this almost trench-like system, carved by walls and scattered bommies, and immediately you’re enveloped. We love how the reef stretches out on both sides, creating a real sense of exploration rather than just following a line. There’s a particular stretch where the coral walls seem to just keep going, almost forming an underwater canyon. Visibility here averages around 8 metres, which isn't the expansive vista you get at some Coral Sea sites, but it works to Luncheon Bay West’s advantage. It makes the bommies loom out of the blue, adding a bit of drama. You’ll often find blacktip reef sharks cruising the slightly deeper sections – we’ve had some cracking encounters there, just drifting by. For smaller stuff, keep an eye on the walls; we’ve spotted some pretty intricate Closed Brain Coral and Lettered Tapes tucked into crevices. As you ascend for your safety stop, popping up onto the top of the bommies feels like emerging into a different world, often with schools of Ternate Chromis swirling around. This spot suits divers who appreciate a more intimate reef exploration and don't need infinite visibility to enjoy a dive. It’s a great pick for spotting those cruising sharks and enjoying the intricate reef structure.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.464800, -69.976100
Type
reef

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 Hole in the Wall

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 Hole in the Wall

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