Kappel Shipwreck
Kappel Shipwreck: Aruba's Underwater Tugboat Adventure
Kappel Shipwreck: An Underwater Adventure
Explore Aruba's Kappel Shipwreck: a vibrant underwater ecosystem perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures!
The Kappel Shipwreck, a small tugboat intentionally sunk in 2009 near Mangel Halto, Aruba, offers snorkelers and divers a unique opportunity to explore a vibrant artificial reef. The wreck teems with marine life and is easily accessible from the shore.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kappel Shipwreck
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
21 m, Spaans Lagoenweg 33, Savaneta, AW
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Getting There
Walking
The Kappel Shipwreck is accessible from Mangel Halto Beach. From the beach, swim approximately 20 meters towards the yellow buoy in the lagoon. The wreck is located about 45 feet deep. There are stairs for easy water access.
Public Transport
From Pos Chiquito, take the bus towards Savaneta. Get off at the Spaans Lagoenweg stop. Walk towards Mangel Halto Beach (approximately 300 meters). From the beach, swim approximately 20 meters towards the yellow buoy in the lagoon. Bus fare is approximately $2.50 USD.
Taxi
Take a taxi from the Queen Beatrix International Airport to Spaans Lagoenweg, Savaneta. From there, it is a short walk to Mangel Halto Beach. From Palm Beach, a taxi to Savaneta costs approximately $25 USD. From Spaans Lagoenweg 17 to Palm Beach, a taxi is approximately $22 USD. A taxi from Spaans Lagoenweg 17 to the airport is approximately $13 USD. Minimum taxi fare is $7 USD, with a surcharge of $3 USD on Sundays, official holidays, and from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Local tips
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Bring your own snorkeling gear, as rentals may be limited.
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Consider the best times for snorkeling, as water clarity can vary throughout the day.
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Wear water shoes to protect your feet when entering the water from the rocky shoreline.
Discover more about Kappel Shipwreck
The Kappel Shipwreck, resting in the tranquil waters off Savaneta, Aruba, is a captivating destination for underwater enthusiasts. This 51-foot Danish cargo ship was strategically sunk in November 2009 by JADS Dive Center to create an artificial reef, quickly becoming a haven for marine life.
Located near the popular Mangel Halto reef, the Kappel sits at a shallow depth of approximately 35-45 feet (12-15 meters), making it accessible to both snorkelers and novice divers. The clear Aruban waters provide excellent visibility, allowing visitors to easily observe the diverse ecosystem that has developed around the wreck.
Although the Kappel is a relatively new wreck, it has already attracted a variety of underwater species. Divers and snorkelers can spot juvenile fish, arrow crabs, feather-duster worms, and a multitude of other marine creatures. The wreck itself is becoming colonized by corals and sponges, adding to its appeal as an artificial reef. Exploring the Kappel offers a unique glimpse into Aruba's maritime history and the beauty of its underwater world.
A brief summary to Kappel Shipwreck
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