Antilla Shipwreck Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba
• Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure
• Aruba Morning Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran
• Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas, and Brunch
• Private Aruba Snorkeling Excursion with Rum Punch

While you can explore the Antilla Shipwreck with your own boat and gear, most travelers will want to join a snorkeling or scuba diving tour with an expert guide for the best experience. Small-group catamaran tours start at around US$70 and include gear, while private charters start at US$200.

The SS Antilla was a cargo ship that traveled between Germany and the Caribbean in 1939. Amidst World War II, instead of letting the ship get seized by the Dutch, the captain and crew decided to set it ablaze. It sank near Aruba’s coast, where it still rests today. It has since transformed into an artificial reef and is one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean.

To get to the Antilla Shipwreck, book a guided scuba diving or snorkeling tour that includes transportation to the dive site. Tours typically depart from Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, both of which can be reached by taxi or public transit. Private charters are another option but are more expensive than group tours.

A scuba diving certification is required to explore the Antilla Shipwreck. The shipwreck is located in 66 feet (20 meters) of water and has shallow areas for beginners and deeper areas for more experienced divers. Tour operators usually ask for proof of certification. Because the shipwreck is partially submerged, it’s also accessible to snorkelers, in case you’re not a certified diver.

You can expect to see a variety of marine life at the Antilla Shipwreck including angelfish, parrotfish, grunts, surgeonfish, eagle rays, barracuda, eels, sea turtles, manta rays, and jawfish. The shipwreck is also covered in coral formations, tube sponges, and orange anemones. Above the surface, you may spot pelicans who often perch on the wreck to eat silversides that jump from the water.