5 of The Best Wreck Dives in Aruba You Should Dive

A lot of people don’t realize how rich Aruba is in wreck dives. With so many great wrecks to choose from, divers from around the world can visit Aruba and spend a few days exploring the different wrecks to see what each one has to offer.

So whether you’re looking for your very first wreck diving experience or you’ve done many in the past and are looking for a new adventure, continue reading to learn about the best wreck dives of Aruba.

Antilla Wreck

The SS Antilla was a cargo ship that had been built for trade purposes between Germany and the Caribbean. It was launched in 1939 in Hamburg when it left for its first trip to the Caribbean. In 1940, the ship was scuttled during World War II when the Germans invaded Holland.

The SS Antilla

The captain of the ship set it on fire in an effort to never have to surrender it to the enemy. It sank into the depths and is known today as the Ghost Ship of Aruba. It’s considered to be one of the best wreck dives in all of the Dutch Caribbean.

The ship is about 122 meters, or 400 feet, in length, so there’s plenty to explore here. And the site is perfect for all levels of divers, thanks to the very gentle currents surrounding it.

Slip through the large windows to get a look inside the wreck, or stay on the outside and witness the schools of fish, such as angelfish, bluehead wrasses, and yellowtail snappers, as they swim by.

You’ll also find corals, gorgonians, anemones, sponges, and more, making it an ideal site for underwater photographers. And no matter how many times you visit, you’re sure to find something new.

Jane Sea Wreck

The Jane Sea wreck features the remains of a freighter that is about 76 meters, or 250 feet, long. It’s found at a depth of about 27 meters, or 90 feet, and it’s nearly upright. You’ll be surrounded by schools of tropical fish, as well as a variety of corals.

You may even catch a glimpse of turtles and rays, but because of the strong currents, this dive is best reserved for those with more experience.

Pedernales Wreck

The Pedernales was an oil tanker that was torpedoed during World War II by the German military. Large pieces of the tanker are spread out throughout the site, so you can find everything from pipelines to lavatories, washbasins, and cabins.

Many groupers and angelfish, as well as a variety of other fish species of all sizes, can be found throughout the wreck site. Divers of all levels can enjoy this site, which is especially great for beginners because it’s easy to get to and it’s easy to find the various coral formations that have developed around the wreckage that remains.

Also read: Your Valuable Guide To The Great Antilla Wreck Dive in Aruba

Airplane Wrecks

Airplane Wrecks is a really unique dive site in Aruba that features the remains of two airplanes. As you can imagine, this is one wreck site that intrigues divers of all levels from around the world. After all, it isn’t every day that you can see an object that should be found up in the sky deep down on the ocean floor.

The two planes are referred to as the S-11 and DC-3, and they were intentionally sunk in order to create an artificial reef. In 1999, Hurricane Lenny dragged DC-3 and it’s now found in two large pieces that divers can still explore.

The S-11 is newer because it sank in 2004. The plane is still intact, except for the nose, so you can easily get inside it to explore what marine life, if any, have now made it home.

The famous DC-3 wreck dive in Aruba

You can Swim through the DC3 wreck in Aruba

Debbie II Wreck

The Debbie II wreck is a notoriously easy wreck dive, so even the most inexperienced divers can give it a try. It’s easy to access and there’s plenty of marine life to be seen and photographed.

This site, though, doesn’t have a rich history. Instead, the fuel barge was purposely sunk in 1992 in order to create an artificial reef. And it worked because today you’ll find a vast array of marine species surrounding it.

The barge measures 37 meters, or 120 feet, in length. Corals, rays, and lobsters are just a few of the species that can be seen here.

Would you like to scuba dive the best wreck dives in Aruba or have you been already? Let us know in the comments below.