Wreck of MS Antilla - Aruba Leeward Coast

The HMS Fearless off Tabarka is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. We love how it lies so perfectly, almost upright, a ghostly outline on the sand. Dropping down, you feel the history. This isn't some scattered debris; it's a destroyer, sunk in 1941, and much of its structure is still there for you to trace. You can make out the gun turrets, the bridge area, even parts of the deck, all draped in a soft layer of Mediterranean sponges and anemones. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the prop shafts are still visible, often surrounded by curious groups of damselfish. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, when it’s 20 metres or more, the light filtering through the water column onto the wreck is simply magical. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate history and enjoy the solemn beauty of a well-preserved wreck rather than chasing pelagics. We’d suggest going in late spring or early autumn for the best chance of calm seas and good light penetration. Just keep an eye out for yellow-legged gulls circling above; they're often the first sign you're nearing something interesting.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.601944, -70.057780
Type
wreck

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 Wreck of MS Antilla

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 Wreck of MS Antilla

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