Antilla Shipwreck, Noord Travel Guide

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Explore the Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba: a WWII-era German freighter teeming with marine life, perfect for diving and snorkeling adventures!

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Antilla Shipwreck

The Antilla Shipwreck, resting off the coast of Aruba near Malmok Beach, is a German freighter that was scuttled during World War II to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Today, it's one of the Caribbean's largest shipwrecks and a popular dive site, teeming with marine life.

A brief summary to Antilla Shipwreck

Opal 58, Noord, AW

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Antilla Shipwreck.

Book a guided tour for the best experience, as local operators know the wreck well and provide necessary equipment.
Consider both snorkeling and diving options; snorkeling offers a surface view, while diving allows for a closer exploration of the wreck.
Bring an underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life and the haunting beauty of the shipwreck.
Be aware of currents and choppy waters, especially when snorkeling, and swim against the current.
Respect the marine environment by not touching or disturbing the corals and marine life.

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Getting There

Taxi

From the California Lighthouse, a taxi to Opal 58, Noord, where the Antilla Shipwreck tours depart, takes about 15 minutes. Confirm the fare or ask for a metered rate. A taxi from Noord to the airport is around $38. Expect to pay a similar fare for a ride to the Antilla departure point.
Public Transport

From the California Lighthouse, take Route 1 bus towards Noord. Get off at the Noord bus terminal. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to Opal 58, where the Antilla Shipwreck is located. Bus fares are around Afl 2.50 [AWG] (approximately $1.40 USD) for a one-way trip.

Discover more about Antilla Shipwreck

Resting silently beneath the turquoise waters off the coast of Aruba, the Antilla shipwreck stands as a testament to the island's rich maritime history and enduring allure. Once a German cargo ship, the SS Antilla met its fate during World War II when it was scuttled by its own crew to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.In early May 1940, the German freighter Antilla anchored in the waters of Aruba. On May 10th, the Germans invaded the Netherlands. The Dutch Army surrendered four days later. Holland was now at war with Germany, and Aruba automatically became enemy territory to the Germans. The Dutch government ordered the seizure of all German ships in the Dutch Antilles. At 0310 hrs on May 10th, Dutch Marines approached Antilla to board her, but the captain refused. During the night, the captain ordered his crew to set the ship ablaze and open the valves, letting seawater into the lower decks. The ship was soon engulfed in flames and listing to port.Today, this majestic Aruba shipwreck serves as a captivating underwater playground, teeming with vibrant marine life and haunting remnants of its storied past. Divers from around the world flock to explore its sprawling remains, adorned with colorful corals and inhabited by curious tropical fish. The Antilla is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, stretching approximately 400 feet in length. The Antilla lies on its port side in Malmok Bay, Aruba, in up to 60 feet (18 m) of water. By 1953, storm damage had broken the wreck in two amidships.The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including corals, tube sponges, lobsters, hawksbill sea turtles, moray eels, and blue tang. The Antilla is a popular dive site for divers of all experience levels. Snorkeling above the wreck is also a popular activity, offering glimpses of the massive hull and the marine life.