Antilla Shipwreck: Caribbean's Largest Wreck Dive

The Antilla Shipwreck, located off the coast of Malmok Beach in Aruba, is a mesmerizing underwater attraction and one of the Caribbean's largest shipwrecks. This 400-foot German cargo ship, also known as the 'Ghost Ship,' was built in Hamburg in 1939 and met its fate in 1940 during World War II. When Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, the Dutch government, then in control of Aruba, sought to confiscate the Antilla. Rather than surrender the ship, the German crew, led by Captain Ferdinand Schmidt, opened the seacocks and set the vessel ablaze, scuttling it to prevent it from falling into Dutch hands. Today, the Antilla rests on its port side at a depth of approximately 60 feet, becoming a haven for marine life. Over the decades, the wreck has been colonized by colorful coral formations, tube sponges, and a variety of tropical fish, including barracudas, groupers, moray eels, and angelfish. Divers and snorkelers can explore the ship's remains, with some sections still remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into its past. The Antilla Shipwreck is accessible to divers of all skill levels, with both shallow and deeper areas to explore. Numerous diving operators on the island offer guided tours, providing the opportunity to discover the ship's eerie corridors, rooms, and cargo holds. Snorkelers can also enjoy the site, observing the massive hull and marine life from the surface.