Pedernales Wreck - Aruba Leeward Coast

The Pedernales Wreck is a proper history lesson, sliced into three pieces by a U-boat torpedo during WWII, then dragged closer to shore and sunk again. We love how accessible it is, sitting in just 8 to 15 metres of water, perfect for new divers or anyone wanting a long bottom time. You’ll drift over the distinct sections, spotting schools of herring shimmering above the hull plates. Look closely for Bean’s searobins scooting along the sand and the surprisingly well-camouflaged Pacific spotted scorpionfish tucked into crevices. The wreck has been colonised by sponges and soft corals, creating mini-habitats. It's a great spot for an afternoon dive, particularly if you’re keen on seeing how marine life reclaims man-made structures. Our favourite part is navigating the gaps between the sections, where the light plays off the metal and the fish are often thickest. We’d suggest going early to avoid the busier boat traffic.

Location: Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates: 12.510000, -70.050000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 8-15m
Difficulty: Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Zuidkust

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Pedernales 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

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Bay Whiff (Citharichthys spilopterus) - Reef Fish
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
killer alga (Caulerpa taxifolia) - Seagrass & Algae
Yellowline Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) - Crabs & Lobsters
Hieroglyphic Cone (Conus hieroglyphus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Elegant Brittle Star (Ophiolepis elegans)
Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) - Seagrass & Algae
West Indian Alphabet Cone (Conus spurius) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Orca (Orcinus orca) - Whales & Dolphins
Blackspot Grenadier (Coelorinchus caelorhincus) - Reef Fish
Atlantic Midshipman (Porichthys plectrodon) - Reef Fish
Common Atlantic Grenadier (Nezumia aequalis) - Reef Fish
Sand Dollar (Clypeaster subdepressus) - Sea Urchins
Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) - Reef Fish
Eyed Flounder (Bothus ocellatus) - Reef Fish
Shortnose batfish (Ogcocephalus nasutus) - Reef Fish
Lesser Starlet Coral (Siderastrea radians) - Hard Corals
Finger Coral (Porites porites) - Hard Corals

Recommended Packing List for Pedernales 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