Wreck Diving in Aruba: What You Need to Know

Aruba’s wreck diving is solid for a small Caribbean island. The main attraction is the Antilla, a large WWII German freighter sitting in 50–60 ft of water. Visibility is usually 60–100 ft and the wreck is broken up enough that you can swim through sections without feeling trapped. Most dives are drift-style with mild current; you’ll also see the Pedernales (a torpedoed tanker) and a few smaller sites. Expect to see abundant soft corals, schools of grunts and snappers, the occasional barracuda, and lots of parrotfish. It’s relaxing diving rather than adrenaline-pumping penetration diving.

Best time is January through April when seas are calmest and visibility is typically at its peak. July–November brings more swell and occasional rain, though diving is still possible. Expect to pay around $110–$160 for a two-tank wreck dive trip including gear and a guide; add $50–$70 if you need a refresher or intro course. A single-tank afternoon trip runs $75–$95.

Book a morning two-tank trip that includes the Antilla and one other wreck – that combo gives you the best variety. Skip the big catamaran snorkel-and-dive hybrid tours if you’re a certified diver; they’re crowded and spend too much time at the snorkel sites. Bring your own computer if you have one so you’re not stuck with rental gear limitations.