This dive site, Mangel Halto Reef, is a popular and accessible location in Aruba, known for its easy shore entry. The reef gently slopes from a shallow 15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters) down to 110 feet (approximately 33.5 meters), though the maximum recommended recreational depth is 15 meters. It offers a diverse underwater landscape suitable for various skill levels and is particularly renowned as an excellent spot for night diving, showcasing a different array of nocturnal marine life.
The reef is teeming with vibrant marine life, including diverse coral combinations and a wide array of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper. Divers can also frequently encounter larger creatures like nurse sharks, reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and turtles, along with delicate anemones.
Mangel Halto Reef is accessible year-round, with its unique status as a prime night dive location making it a special attraction. Its shallow average depth and gentle slope make it ideal for beginners and snorkelers, while the deeper sections appeal to more experienced divers. Freedivers will also find the conditions and depth range highly suitable for breath-hold exploration.
