One of Aruba’s landmarks
We’ve been recommending you to visit the Antilla wreck for some time. However, today we’re telling you all about it. Discover its interesting story and the reason why you should give it a visit, or a swim.
The SS Antilla was a German cargo ship, scuttled off the coast of Aruba during World War II in 1940. The ship was originally built for the German Hamburg-America Line.
It was seized by the Dutch government when the Netherlands was occupied by Germany during the war. Also, rather than allowing the ship to fall into German hands, the Dutch scuttled it to prevent the German Navy from using it.
Nowadays, the wreck of the SS Antilla is one of the largest and most popular shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
Where to find it
The Antilla wreck is located near Malmok Beach and sits in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to snorkelers and scuba divers. Also, the wreck homes a variety of marine life and has become an artificial reef, attracting divers from around the world.
Dimensions
The Antilla Wreck measures approximately 120 meters (394 feet) in length. The top of the wreck sits at a depth of about 5 to 18 meters (16 to 60 feet). This makes it accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers of various experience levels.
The clear waters where the wreck sank, offer excellent visibility and allow divers and snorkelers to explore the remains of the ship and its vibrant marine life.
Over the years, the SS Antilla wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, providing a haven for a wide variety of marine species. Swimmers can encounter schools of tropical fish, coral formations, sponges, and other creatures.
Available Tours
Here are a couple of Antilla wreck touring options you can go for:
Get your guide offers the Snorkel Cruise with an Open Bar and Light Lunch, starting at $65 per adult. Moreover, you can look at Shore Excursions’ The Antilla Shipwreck sail and snorkel trip which is $84 per person.
Malmok Beach, where you can find Antilla Wreck, is just a four-minute walk away from Ocean Z Boutique Hotel. Book your stay with us and enjoy being super close to Aruba’s top locations.
Other Wrecks in Aruba
MV Jane Sea
The MV Jane Sea is another famous shipwreck in Aruba. It was a freighter that sank in 1988 due to a fire. Therefore, the wreck lies near the coast of Arashi Beach, and its remains are scattered across the ocean floor.
Divers can explore the wreckage and encounter a variety of marine species that have made it their home.
Pedernales
The Pedernales is a World War II-era tanker that was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942. The ship was carrying fuel and now lies in two sections off the coast of Aruba, near Rodgers Beach.
Divers can explore the wreckage and witness the remnants of the ship along with the marine life that has thrived around it.
Debbie II
The Debbie II is a smaller shipwreck located near the coast of Aruba, off Palm Beach. It was intentionally sunk in 1990 to create an artificial reef and dive site. The wreck is accessible to both divers and snorkelers and provides a habitat for a variety of colorful fish and other marine creatures.
Other Diving Sites
Besides the Antilla Wreck, Aruba offers a variety of other dive sites, each with its own unique features and marine life.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is a popular site known for its calm, clear waters. It features a vibrant coral reef and marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. The site is easily accessible from shore and is suitable for beginner divers.
Arashi Reef
Arashi Reef is located near Arashi Beach and is known for its impressive coral formations and diverse marine life. It offers both shallow and deeper areas, which make it suitable for divers of different experience levels.
Barcadera Reef
Barcadera Reef is situated near the port of Oranjestad and offers an underwater landscape with coral formations, sponges, and sea fans.
Now that you know everything about the SS Antilla Wreck and other interesting diving sites, you just have one more thing to do. Exactly, go for a swim there!
Stay at Ocean Z Boutique Hotel as you discover the many other breathtaking wonders Aruba offers.
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