Pedernalis (Wreck) - Aruba Leeward Coast

Sometimes a house reef just hits the spot, and Scuba Republic’s is a great example. You drop right off the jetty into calm, shallow water, maybe 15 metres at its deepest. It’s a gentle fringing reef, ideal for a relaxed afternoon dive or getting reacquainted with your buoyancy. We’ve spotted pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians, plenty of clown anemonefish, and the usual suspects like lionfish cruising the corals. Visibility averages around 12 metres, enough to really appreciate the smaller critters. It’s not an adrenaline rush, but a perfectly lovely, easy dive.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.576600, -70.058200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Westpunt

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 Pedernalis (Wreck)

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 Pedernalis (Wreck)

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 maximum depth of the Pedernales Wreck dive site?
The Pedernalis Wreck is a shallow and enjoyable dive, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters. Its accessibility makes it a very popular spot, even for snorkel cruises. This shallow profile contributes to its appeal for a wide range of divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Pedernales Wreck?
Divers exploring the Pedernalis Wreck can expect to see a mostly intact wreck structure, providing ample opportunities for exploration. The site is teeming with marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and turtles. You'll also encounter a vibrant array of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, alongside beautiful anemones, making it a rich wildlife experience.
Is the Pedernales Wreck considered a difficult dive, or is it suitable for beginners?
The Pedernalis Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While its maximum depth of 10 meters makes it relatively shallow and accessible, the "intermediate" rating suggests it might require some basic experience beyond entry-level certifications. It's a very fun dive that is certainly worth the effort for those with appropriate skills.
What is the best time of year to dive the Pedernales Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for optimal diving conditions at the Pedernalis Wreck. For general information on seasonal conditions in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions with dive operators before planning your trip to Aruba.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Pedernales Wreck?
Specific scuba diving certification requirements for the Pedernalis Wreck are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty rating and shallow maximum depth of 10 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is likely sufficient, but it's always best to confirm with local dive operators in Aruba Leeward Coast. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Pedernales Wreck dive site?
Divers at the Pedernalis Wreck can expect excellent average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of the wreck and marine life. Information regarding typical currents at this specific dive site is not provided in the available data. However, its popularity suggests it is generally manageable, but always be prepared for varying conditions.