Star Gerren - Aruba Leeward Coast

Uepi Point is a standout, no question. We love an incoming current here, it really brings the reef to life, pulling in the bigger pelagics. You’re just a minute from the dive shop, so it’s an easy run out. Drop in and you’re immediately on the edge of that plunging outside wall, then you drift along the channel, past whips and massive plates of coral. The fish diversity here is truly something else. We've seen schools of fusiliers so thick they just block out the light, then you spot barracuda and trevally hunting through them. The reef top is surprisingly brilliant too, even at 5 metres, it’s alive with parrotfish and butterflyfish. We’ve had incredible night dives here, the nocturnal life is just different, with all the squirrelfish and lionfish coming out. Maximum depth is around 24 metres, but you can keep it shallower if you want. Visibility averages 20 metres, which is decent enough for soaking in the sheer volume of fish. It’s suitable for almost any diver, from those just getting their fins wet to experienced hands looking for that big fish action.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.579800, -70.069900
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 Star Gerren

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 Star Gerren

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 Star Gerren dive site in Aruba?
The maximum depth of the Star Gerren dive site in Aruba is 20 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certification levels.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Star Gerren shipwreck?
The Star Gerren was intentionally sunk in 2000 to serve as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life over time. Divers can explore its unique wreck features, including its position on its side and numerous openings suitable for swim-throughs. While specific species are not listed, artificial reefs typically host a diverse array of fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Star Gerren wreck, especially considering its upside-down position and swim-throughs?
Diving the Star Gerren is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Its unique position on its side and the presence of multiple swim-throughs add an exciting element to the dive, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort in enclosed spaces. Divers should be prepared for these features to fully enjoy the experience.
When is the best time of year to dive the Star Gerren in Aruba for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Star Gerren for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Aruba, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Star Gerren, particularly for exploring its interior?
Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for diving the exterior of the Star Gerren. For exploring its interior swim-throughs, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a specialty course like Wreck Diver or Peak Performance Buoyancy is highly recommended to ensure safety and comfort. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Star Gerren dive site?
Divers visiting the Star Gerren can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 17 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents at this dive site. It's always advisable to check local conditions with a dive operator before your dive.