Antilla Wreck - Aruba Leeward Coast

The Antilla is pure joy, a proper wreck dive that’s accessible to just about anyone. Dropping down onto that vast, dark hull, you really feel the scale of this thing – 400 feet of history sitting upright on the sand. It’s shallow enough, 18 metres at the deepest, that you get great light penetration, which makes exploring the open cargo holds a real treat. We love swimming through the massive internal spaces, seeing the schools of French grunts and squirrelfish that now call them home. Outside, the superstructure is draped in orange cup corals, and we’ve often spotted hawksbill turtles slowly grazing on the encrusting sponges. It’s also our favourite spot for macro photography, with colourful little tobacco basslets tucked into every crevice and cherub pygmy angelfish flitting around the railings. If you’re into wrecks, this is a fantastic introduction, offering plenty to see without any serious current or depth concerns. Get there early to beat the crowds; it makes a huge difference.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.590000, -70.060000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5-18m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Antilla Wreck

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
4,363 GRT

The SS Antilla, a 400-foot German freighter, has a dramatic history tied to the outbreak of World War II. Launched in 1939 for the Hamburg America Line, her career was cut short when war erupted. The Antilla sought refuge in the neutral waters of Dutch-controlled Aruba, where she remained for several months, a silent observer as global conflict escalated.

The ship's fate was sealed on May 10, 1940, when Germany invaded the Netherlands. Faced with the imminent seizure of his vessel by Dutch authorities, Captain Ferdinand Schmidt made a fateful decision. He ordered his crew to open the seacocks and set fires onboard, scuttling the brand-new ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. The crew was taken ashore and the Antilla slowly sank, becoming a permanent fixture in Aruban waters.

Today, the Antilla is hailed as the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean. Lying on her port side in relatively shallow water ranging from 5 to 18 meters, she is a spectacular and accessible site for divers of all levels. The wreck is largely intact, allowing exploration of its vast cargo holds, portholes, and deck fittings. Over the decades, it has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, encrusted with coral and sponges and teeming with tropical fish, green moray eels, and sea turtles.

Marine Protected Area: Westpunt

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Antilla Wreck

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Antilla Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories