Aruba shipwreck snorkeling means one wreck above all: the Antilla. Its German crew scuttled the cargo ship off Malmok on 10 May 1940, and today it ranks among the largest wrecks in the Caribbean.
What you see on an Aruba shipwreck snorkeling trip
The Antilla is about 122 meters long. Most of the hull sits too deep for snorkelers. However, in clear conditions the shallowest parts lie only a few meters below the surface.
Over eighty years, the steel has turned into reef. For example, look for orange tube sponges, purple fan corals and schools of jacks. Grouper and barracuda patrol it as well.
How to reach the Antilla
Take a boat. The wreck lies well offshore, and boats pass over it all day. So from the beach at Malmok you see only a fraction of it.
Most snorkel sails out of Palm Beach stop at the Antilla. In general, morning trips give the clearest water.
Aruba shipwreck snorkeling safety
Stay with your boat’s group, and stay inside the area the crew points out. Also, use a float if you are not a strong swimmer.
Never enter the wreck, and do not dive down into it, because the interior suits certified divers only. Our safety guide and the comparison of snorkeling and diving help you decide which you need. The Aruba Tourism Authority covers the island’s other sights.
