Aruba - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 87

Crashing waves make it all but impossible to enter the water, so plan to
simply enjoy the view.
Andicouri , near the natural bridge, has a black pebble beach that is con-
sidered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Strong wind and big
waves prevent most from entering the water, but avid body surfers some-
times plunge right in.

The Aruba Watersports Association
The AWA is a self-policing organization that sets high standards
for its members. They have created new dive and snorkel sites,
and have placed buoys nearby to prevent anchor damage to the
reefs from dive boats. Efforts of the AWA enhance other ecological
programs, such as the Reef Care Project and the Aruba Marine
Park System, which strive to preserve and increase the island's
underwater treasures. Look for the AWA logo when you rent
equipment or book a tour with a watersports operator. This will
be your insurance that you are dealing with a company that is
committed to safeguarding both their customers and the environ-
ment. www.arubatourism.com/awa.

Adventures Underwater
The underwater world off Aruba's 17 miles of coastline is
excellent for scuba diving, snuba, sea trekking, submarine
tours, and glass-bottom boating.
Snuba is a step above snorkeling; a step below scuba diving.
Participants breathe underwater, up to 20 feet below the sur-
face, through an air-supply hose connected to a tank that floats on the sur-
face. Using the snuba apparatus, divers as young as eight years of age can
explore one of Aruba's colorful coral reefs or the Antilla , the largest ship-
wreck in the Caribbean. No experience necessary. Expect to pay about $60-
$80 for a guided underwater snuba tour.

TIP: For snuba and sea trekking information and
reservations, contact De Palm Tours at your hotel or
at their pier on Palm Beach,

297-582-4400.

Sea trekking is the newest underwater adventure. Participants wear an
apparatus like a space-helmet that allows them to breathe underwater
while their hair and face stay dry. It's not even necessary for trekkers to
know how to swim. They simply put on the helmet, descend a ladder into
the water, and walk around the sea floor. Tours are guided and narrated.