Nothing quite compares to kitting up on the sand, and simply walking into the water - no charter boat to worry about, and nobody to hurry you up because of some schedule you've got to stick to. If you like venturing out with just your favorite dive buddy for company, and if you love the idea of exploring some fantastic sites that are just a bit off the beaten path, then shore diving is definitely where it's at. And, even though there are thousands of places to shore dive all across this big blue planet of ours, some of these stand out from the rest. While we at Just Gotta Dive (JGD) had to think hard to come up with our company's favorite shore dive destinations, we finally came to an agreement: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, or the ABC Islands, are tops when it comes to shore diving. These Netherlands Antilles islands offer more than 100 named shore dive sites, all complete with incredible underwater vistas and amazing beaches.
Aruba
Just 6 miles wide and 20 miles long, the island of Aruba is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. On the island's northwestern corner, you'll find a popular site called Shallow Reef, which is teeming with brilliant blue tang, sleek trunkfish, Spanish hogfish, and other tropicals, along with sea turtles and other surprising creatures, all surrounded by towering stands of Elkhorn coral and even some large brain coral.
A little to the south, Saveneta Beach offers a respite from crowded hotel areas. Snorkelers and newer divers will enjoy the scenic shallows, while a short swim leads to a shelf where coral and sponges are abundant.
For advanced divers, Cabez Reef is only diveable when conditions are right. Here, you'll find nurse sharks, manta rays, goliath groupers, and others inhabiting a deep reef area that begins at a depth of about 20 meters. As currents can be strong here, it is recommended that you dive Cabez Reef only if you are physically fit; in addition, explore the site with a local guide to get the most out of the dive.
Bonaire
Bonaire North and Bonaire South together offer upwards of 60 named shore dive sites, with a few more on the island's north side than on the south. Bonaire's entire coastline is protected by law up to depths of 200 feet, and is known collectively as the Bonaire Marine Park. Here, you'll find splendid reef systems that offer opportunities for snorkeling and diving both.
One of the best sites Bonaire North has to offer is Karpata. It is located a little to the east of the No Dive Zone, and hosts an abundance of life at just 25 to 35 feet, even though you can go much deeper if you like. The reef here features V-shaped coral canyons and steep drop offs, and entry / egress are easy thanks to a set of stairs and a concrete platform.
For incredible soft coral, huge bait balls attempting to evade giant jacks, and plenty of other splendid sights, check out English Garden on Bonaire South. Other south side sites to try include Alice in Wonderland, where the groupers are huge and the coral is resplendent; gorgonians, whip corals, and sea fans, garden eels, and eagle rays are some sights you'll see at The Invisibles. Wherever you choose to dive, you'll find Bonaire is simply a pleasure to explore.
Curacao
Curacao boasts almost 40 named shore dive sites; Just Gotta Dive's favorites include Sainte Marie at Captain Don's Habitat, where eels, octopus, and fish live side by side with plenty of crustaceans and invertebrates. At Boca Sami, visibility tends to be very good, and the night diving is excellent. Finally, at Playa Kalki, which is also known as Alice in Wonderland, you'll enjoy the company of sea turtles and thousands of fish. Keep in mind, these are just a few favorites - you'll enjoy interesting shore diving all around Curacao.
An outstanding destination for shore diving, and a great trio of islands for the whole family to snorkel and dive, the ABC Islands feature great hotels and knowledgeable dive operators, plus conservation efforts in the area are paying off. For even more information on shore diving here and in-depth information about shore diving all around the world, take some time to explore our site. Scuba Divers Travel Network has all the resources you need to plan for your next dive holiday - no charters needed.