Aruba
In September 2013, we spent a week in Aruba. The island is a bit like a low-key Maui. Surprisingly good top-side restaurants and accommodations, though shopping was limited (and finding a good bottle of wine very difficult!). We rented a car, though taxis are generally available. We stayed at the Bucuti, which was quite lovely. Nice rooms and a great beach. We didn't eat dinner there, but the breakfast buffet was excellent. Can't say the same about the beach bar ... do avoid the hamburgers unless they've improved them!
The weather was HOT-HOT-HOT! We were there in low season, and I guess I can tell why. Just too hot most of the time. Nevertheless, we did manage to take a horseback ride over the island to the beach, and that was quite nice. Those who are brave might try wind-surfing, for which Aruba is well-known. Aruba is a bit touristy, with all sorts activities including casinos and locals bingo, great beaches and fishing, sunset dinner cruises, nightlife and ATV tours. Do beware the sand fleas if you happen to try dinner at one of the restaurants that sets tables on the beach. Generally everyone on the island is quite friendly and tourist-friendly.
As for diving, we went with JADS, a great little operation. The boat we were on is small, and only holds about 6 divers plus crew. The dive sites aren't far from either of the places where the boat docks, and they make sure to take you to different sites each day. The crew is very pleasant and excellent at spotting small critters underwater.
The water is warm, but because of the generally windy conditions (the reason Aruba is known for wind-surfing), the seas can be a bit choppy and the visibility can be somewhat limited, though it was never a problem. We dove the famous Antilla WW2 wreck, one of the most impressive wreck dives I've ever done. As I recall, we dove on a site with a couple of wrecked airplanes. Always fun to see unusual things underwater!
The reefs are in generally good condition, and there certainly are enough fish and smaller critters to see. You could say that you'll encounter all your standard Caribbean animals, but not any larger animals. I've heard people say that the diving at Bonnaire or Curacao, the other two A-B-C islands, is better overall than Aruba (though the accommodations are said not to be as good or varied as on Aruba). Maybe we'll try one of those islands next time we venture to that part of the Caribbean.
By the way, did I mention that Aruba was VERY HOT and WINDY in early September?!
