Sponge Reef
Protected Area
Zuidkust
Why dive here
With 82+ marine species recorded in the area - including orcas, sea turtles, whale sharks, frogfish and lionfish - Sponge Reef offers some of Aruba Leeward Coast's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
Sponge Reef on Aruba’s leeward coast is one of those sites that just gets it right for an easy, colourful dive. We've seen it at its best on a calm morning, the sun filtering down to about 15 metres, which really makes the sponges pop. And they are everywhere – massive barrel sponges, bright yellow tube sponges, even some deep purple vase sponges. It’s a riot of colour. We usually drop in and drift along, letting the gentle current do the work. The maximum depth of 19 metres means you get plenty of bottom time, and the average 17-metre visibility is consistently good. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles munching away; they’re regular visitors here. We’ve also spotted the occasional eagle ray gliding past in the blue. For a relaxed, vibrant dive that showcases the best of Caribbean sponge life and a decent chance for turtles, Sponge Reef is our pick for a chill afternoon. It’s a great site for newer divers or anyone just wanting a visually rich, low-stress dive.
Nearest Dive Centres to Sponge Reef
Dive shops near Sponge Reef
Fly and Dive
Nautilus Dive Center Aruba
Aqua Windies
Aruba Watersafety Institute
JADS Dive Center
Reviews for Sponge Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Sponge Reef
Sponge Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Sponge Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.42, -70.08) (19km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 28.3–31.4°C
Air Temperature
29°C
84°F
Wind Speed
7.31 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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