Lionfish Hunting in Aruba: The Ultimate Guide for Divers

Few Caribbean islands combine world-class diving, warm crystalline water, and a genuine lionfish problem quite like Aruba. The island’s famous calm leeward coast hosts some of the best reefs in the Southern Caribbean — and unfortunately, an ever-growing population of lionfish that have made those reefs their home.

Roger J. Muller Jr. of LionfishDivers.com has made multiple trips to Aruba specifically to hunt lionfish, teach SSI’s Invasive Species Management course, and connect with the local dive community working to protect the island’s reefs. Here’s everything you need to know about hunting lionfish in Aruba.

Why Aruba?

Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, which means year-round diving in calm conditions. Visibility regularly reaches 80–100 feet. The island has a strong and passionate dive community, and local operators have embraced lionfish removal as a core part of their reef stewardship mission.

Roger’s connection to Aruba runs deep. Among his local contacts is Susan Hieter, the artist and conservationist behind Lionfintastic jewelry — a remarkable enterprise that transforms lionfish spines and fins into wearable art, turning the invasive species into an economic asset for the island while promoting awareness.

Top Dive Sites for Lionfish in Aruba

• Antilla Wreck: The largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Lionfish absolutely love this structure.
• Pedernales Wreck: Shallow WWII-era wreck perfect for beginning hunters.
• Aruba’s Reef: Natural reef complexes on the south and southwest shore hold consistent lionfish populations.
• Barcadera Reef: A deeper reef system excellent for accessing large, less-pressured lionfish.

SSI Invasive Species Management — Taught in Aruba by Roger

This year, Roger taught SSI’s Invasive Species Management course in Aruba — one of the most meaningful ways he’s brought his conservation mission to the island. Local divers, dive professionals, and even non-divers participated in learning about lionfish biology, hunting techniques, and the broader ecological impact of the invasion.

The response from the Aruba dive community has been incredible. When local divers become empowered hunters, the reef benefits immediately and continuously.

Traveling to Aruba for Lionfish Diving

Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport is well-served from the US East Coast, and the island’s infrastructure for divers is excellent. Bring your FoldSpear — it’s carry-on friendly — and connect with local dive operators who support lionfish removal. Roger can point you in the right direction. Contact LionfishDivers.com to plan your trip.