Antilla (Wreck) - Aruba Leeward Coast

Cherry Hill on Grenada’s Southwest Coast is one of those sites we always suggest for a relaxed, shallow dive. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about the small stuff, and the light, and just being in the water. We love starting in the super shallow two meters, poking around the Porites corals. You’ll see juvenile fish darting everywhere, and if you take your time, there are often little Chestnut Mussels tucked into crevices. The reef gently slopes to about 10 meters, and that’s where we find the most interesting things. Look for the Dusky Cusk and the Naked Blenny – they're masters of camouflage, so a good eye helps. Our favourite find here is the White Pygmy Venus; it’s tiny, often clinging to the soft corals, a real treat if you spot one. Visibility averages 15 meters, which is plenty for this kind of macro exploration. Cherry Hill suits divers who enjoy a slow pace, photographers looking for interesting small subjects, and anyone who wants to unwind with a truly unhurried dive.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.602200, -70.058500
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Antilla Wreck dive site and what are its shallowest points?
The Antilla Wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 17 meters. While specific shallowest points are not detailed, the 400-foot-long, mostly intact shipwreck offers various depths for exploration, including its deck and interior sections. For more details on this popular site, visit the Antilla Wreck page.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when exploring the Antilla Wreck?
Divers exploring the Antilla Wreck can expect to see a variety of features from this 400-foot-long, mostly intact shipwreck, including portholes, deck fittings, and interior sections. The wreck is also teeming with marine life such as tube sponges, coral formations, tropical fish, shrimp, lobsters, and orange anemones. You can learn more about marine species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Antilla Wreck, and is it considered suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the Antilla Wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This suggests it might not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without proper supervision or additional training, as it involves exploring a large shipwreck. For more information on the site's conditions, please refer to the Antilla Wreck page.
What is the best time of year to dive the Antilla Wreck for optimal visibility and calm water conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Antilla Wreck for optimal visibility or calm water conditions. However, the site generally boasts an average visibility of 18 meters, offering clear views of the wreck and its marine inhabitants. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Antilla Wreck?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for the Antilla Wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience to safely explore this large shipwreck. Always consult with local dive operators for the most current requirements for diving in Aruba.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Antilla Wreck dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding typical currents or general water conditions at the Antilla Wreck dive site. However, divers can generally expect good underwater visibility, averaging around 18 meters, which enhances the experience of exploring this impressive shipwreck. For more site-specific details, consult the Antilla Wreck page or local dive operators.