Aruba is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Caribbean, and it draws a cosmopolitan crowd, thanks to casinos, restaurants, shopping and world-class beaches. Off the island's beaches lies the main attraction for divers-one of the best collections of diveable shipwrecks in the Caribbean. Multiple daily flights by major U.S. carriers make for easy travel by air, and the island is a regular port of call for cruise ships. But the crowds of Oranjestad can easily be escaped with mask, fins and snorkel.

One of the premier wreck dives in the Caribbean, the Antilla was scuttled by its German captain in 1940 to avoid capture by Dutch troops. On her side at 60 feet, the ship is cloaked in cup corals, tube sponges and fish life like French grunts, blue tangs and silversides. The 200-foot tanker Star Gerren lies on her port side in 40 feet of water off the beach near Hadicurari. Sunk intentionally four years ago to add to Aruba's already impressive collection of artificial reefs, the Star Gerren has been colonized by silversides and yellowtail snappers. The 250-foot freighter Jane Sea sits upright at 90 feet, loaded with fish life. The ship's gutted cavity makes for a long, easy swim.

Dive In

Weather: Temps rarely drop below 75 degrees in winter or rise above 85 degrees in summer. It's sunny and dry, and trade winds keep it comfortable.

Average Water Temp: Low 80s in summer to upper 70s in winter.

Average Visibility: Vis is typically in the 50- to 100-foot range.

Travel Savvy: A valid passport is required. Departure tax is usually included in airline ticket price.

Destination Links: www.aruba.com, www.arubatourism.com and www.arubaexperience.com.