The Antilla Shipwreck,
Aruba’s Most Famous Dive Site

About the Antilla Shipwreck

The Antilla is a German merchant freighter that was scuttled by its own crew in 1940 when the Netherlands entered World War II. The ship — 400 feet (120 metres) long — now rests in 60–90 feet (18–27 metres) of Caribbean water off Aruba’s northwest coast, near Malmok Beach. Over eight decades, it has become one of the most spectacular dive and snorkelling sites in the Caribbean.

The wreck is so large that even snorkellers on the surface can see its bulk below. At low tide, parts of the hull break the water’s surface. For scuba divers, the Antilla offers multiple penetration points, vast sections of encrusted hull, and extraordinary marine life in every direction.

Visiting the Antilla: Snorkelling vs Scuba

Snorkelling

The Antilla is shallow enough at its shallowest point that snorkellers can see the wreck clearly from the surface. Most catamaran tours bring snorkellers directly to the Antilla as the main event. The upper hull sections sit around 15–20 feet (5–6m) down — clearly visible from the surface on any calm day. Equipment, guidance, and buoyancy aids are included on all reputable operators.

The best catamaran snorkel tours also stop at Boca Catalina reef on the same trip — two exceptional sites in one half-day. Browse catamaran snorkel tours to the Antilla →

Scuba Diving

For certified divers, the Antilla is a multi-dive site. The full wreck can be explored in 2–3 dives. The engine room, cargo holds, and wheelhouse are all accessible. Maximum depth is around 90 feet (27m) for the deepest sections. Multiple dive operators on Palm Beach offer daily Antilla dive trips. PADI open water certification is sufficient for upper wreck sections.

Browse Aruba scuba diving tours →

What Marine Life to Expect

The Antilla’s hull has been completely colonised over 80+ years. Every surface is covered in hard and soft coral, sponges, and encrusting organisms. Marine life around the wreck includes:

• Barracuda — schools of 20–40 cruise around the bow. Harmless and accustomed to divers.
• Green sea turtles — regularly spotted resting on the hull sections
• French angelfish and queen angelfish — among the most common and most beautiful
• Moray eels — multiple species sheltering in crevices throughout the wreck
• Spotted eagle rays — occasional but extraordinary when seen gliding past the hull
• Parrotfish — everywhere, feeding on the encrusted surfaces

How to Get to the Antilla

The Antilla wreck is located off Aruba’s northwest coast, near Malmok Beach — about 15 minutes by boat from Palm Beach marina. There is no shore access; you must visit by boat.

Catamaran snorkel tour (recommended for most visitors) — the most popular and easiest way. Tours depart from Palm Beach marina, typically at 9am or 1pm, and include the Antilla plus Boca Catalina reef. Open bar, snorkel equipment, and crew guidance included. Browse catamaran snorkel tours →

Dive boat — for scuba divers. Multiple operators depart daily from Palm Beach. Book directly with a local dive shop or via Viator.

Private charter — hire a boat and captain for a fully private Antilla experience. Ideal for small groups.