Antilla Wreck (55 ft/17m)
This is one of the most spectacular wreck dive sites in Aruba.This 400 ft. long German freighter scuttled on may 10th, 1940. It’s the largest wreck in the Caribbean. It was scuttled in order not to be confiscated by the Dutch government/marines on the island during WWII. The ship has large cargo compartments great for easy Swim through and is covered by different types of coral and surrounded by large schools of fish.
Arashi Reef (40ft/12m)
This is the home of the turtles. A spectacular reef and the perfect dive site for both beginners and experienced divers. Various Coral formations where parrot, angel fishes and rays roam the surroundings. Parts of a wrecked LockheedLodestar(Plane) are scattered in the area as well. Turtles are spotted here frequently!
Star Gerren (60ft/18m)
Located right in front of the High Rise area, however not often visited since she is overshadowed by her much larger countrywoman Antilla. She is the Cinderella of the Aruban Shipwrecks. This 499 ton, 245 ft cargo ship was sunken in August 2000 after the ship was reported list to starboard due to leakage turning it into an environmental hazard. This ship almost sits upside down with its propeller at the shallowest point.
Pedernales (25ft/8m)
A beginner’s paradise offering a combination of large pieces of wreck spread out between coral formations. You can see sections of cabins, wash basins, lavatories, etc. as well as the pipe line system that goes with this oil tanker, which was torpedoed in 1942 during World War II by a German submarine. It’s like swimming in a fish tank.
Blue Reef & Debbie II (70ft/21m)
Paths of wildly spread leaf and brain corals await you at this bottom-reef.This reef is known for its lobsters, eels and stingrays taking their daily “siesta” waiting to be photographed. Giant barrel sponges in purple, orange and green are found everywhere. In 1992, a 120′ fuel barge was sunk as an additional attraction.The wreck attracts lots of schooling tropical fish.
Airplanes (90ft/27m)
Right off a sloping reef surrounded by soft coral sit these two airplanes sunken purposively to create new dive sites. The oldest of the two the Convair 340 has been shattered during the passage of Hurricanes in the area, the cockpit sits at 72ft/22m. And the Air Aruba YS-11 which is still intact with its nose up in a takeoff position. The cockpit is at a depth of 52ft/16m and the tail end at 90ft/27m. The airplane was stripped of its chairs and doors making it easy to penetrate.
Tres Trapi
It is an incredible snorkeling and scuba diving spot that captures the essence of the Caribbean.To get into the water, you’ll need to descend a well-carved staircase in the rock formation that leads straight to the ocean. “Tres Trapi” means “Three Steps” in the local language, referring to the original three steps carved into the coral years ago to access the water. This is where we teach the confined water skills for the open water course, it’s like a pool!
Additional Dive Sites:
- Harbor Reef
- Sponge Reef
- Tire Reef
- Skalaheim
- And more if needed!