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Harbor Reef / Pilot Boat

Harbor Reef, or the Pilot Boat as it's often called, is one of our favourite wreck dives in Aruba. The Star Gerren, a German cargo ship, was purposefully sunk here in 2000, though it ended up on its side during the operation. We actually prefer it that way; it creates some really interesting swim-throughs and pockets for marine life to hide. Maxing out at 19m, it's a relaxed dive, perfect for those wanting to explore a wreck without needing advanced certs. Visibility here typically hovers around 17m, sometimes better, giving you plenty of lead time to spot what’s coming. We’ve had great luck finding Cherub Pygmy Angelfish darting around the structure, and the Spotted Goatfish are almost always grazing near the sand. Keep an eye out for the unusual stuff too, like the Atlantic Midshipman if you’re really looking closely in the crevices. On a good day, the light plays beautifully through the openings in the hull, casting these shimmering patterns on the interior walls. It’s not a whale shark magnet, despite the data suggesting otherwise, but it's a consistently rewarding wreck for its size and depth. This site is a solid pick for divers who enjoy poking around a well-established artificial reef with a bit of history, offering plenty of nooks to explore without feeling overwhelming.