Antilla Shipwreck: Caribbean's Largest Wreck Dive

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Explore the historic Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba, a top Caribbean dive site teeming with marine life and WWII history.

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Antilla Shipwreck

The Antilla Shipwreck, a 400-foot German freighter, is the Caribbean's largest shipwreck dive site, offering a unique glimpse into WWII history and vibrant marine life. Scuttled in 1940 off the coast of Aruba, it's now home to colorful coral, sponges, and diverse fish species.

A brief summary to Antilla Shipwreck

Opal 58, Noord, AW

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Book a guided dive or snorkel tour for the best experience and to learn about the wreck's history.
Bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful marine life and the ship's remains.
Check weather conditions before heading out, as strong currents can affect visibility.
Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy better visibility.
Be aware of the sharp edges and fragile structure of the wreck while diving.

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Getting There

Boat Tour

The Antilla Shipwreck is only accessible by boat. Numerous tour operators depart from Palm Beach and Malmok Beach, offering snorkeling and diving excursions to the site. Tour costs vary, with snorkeling tours typically ranging from $40 to $70 per person and diving tours from $80 to $150, including equipment and guidance. Some tours combine the Antilla with other snorkeling spots like Catalina Bay.
Taxi

From hotels in Noord, a taxi to Malmok Beach, where many boat tours depart, costs approximately $15-$20. Taxis are readily available in the hotel areas. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.
Public Transport

From Oranjestad, take the Arubus to Noord. From the bus stop in Noord, transfer to another bus heading towards Palm Beach and Malmok Beach. Bus tickets cost $2.60 per ride or $10 for a day pass. From the Malmok Beach bus stop, it's a short walk to the beach where you can arrange a boat tour to the Antilla Shipwreck.

Discover more about Antilla Shipwreck

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.