Page 15 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 30 sepTember 2025

Up for a snorkeling adventure in Aruba? Top 3 shipwrecks to explore

rested, but SS Antilla could Aruba and was used as tar- ever, several years went by
not be saved by the Dutch get practice. Eventually, the and no one came forward
forces. The Dutch fired two ship became a snorkeling to claim the ship, so dive
rounds of their 35mm gun site that has attracted many operators decided to sink
aboard the ‘Aruba’ at SS visitors throughout the years. her as an artificial reef. This
Antilla and left her to sink. happened in 1988. Jane
Pedernales lies on the north- Sea earned the nick name
The shipwreck can only be west coast of Aruba, and is Jane C, because of the illicit
reached by boat. The ship no more than 10 feet under white powder discovered on
is visible from the surface water, making it an ideal site board.
and during your snorkeling for snorkelers and divers of
trip you’ll be surrounded by all levels. Jane is now beautifully
hundreds of tropical fishes, overgrown with coral and is
but the shipwreck alone is Jane Sea Wreck home to a diverse set of ma-
already impressive enough. The Jane Sea Wreck lies rine life, like turtles, octopus,
(ORANJESTAD) – Aruba is not of capture and sabotage near Palm Island at 100 feet crabs and sometimes even
only the perfect vacation during WWII. SS Pedernales underwater. Jane’s story is nurse sharks.
destination to sit back and Like the Antilla, the story of heavily speculated, making
relax on the sandy beaches After Germany invaded The SS Pedernales dates to WWII. her origin a tale of legends. The stories behind these ship-
but also has great snorkel- Netherlands, Dutch authori- Pedernales was used as a wrecks enriches their explo-
ing spots for passionate ties ordered the confine- lake tanker between Vene- Launched in 1959, the 190- ration and offers snorkelers
adventurers to explore. On ment of the ship’s German zuela and Aruba, and sailed feet ship was initially called and divers a glance into the
the coast of the island, there crew, who were ported in under British Flag. At this time, “Blackthorn”. Her last owner, past, as well as the beautiful
are various shipwrecks that Aruba because it needed to The US and Britain were using S&D Shipping Ltd. named marine life that have molded
have become fan-favorites find a neutral port. The Dutch Aruba and Curacao as fuel her Jane Sea. Jane was a these wrecks into their home.
over the years. Here are the ordered the ship to be con- stations for the war ships. cement freighter between So, grab your equipment
top 3 shipwrecks you should fiscated, but the German Venezuela and Aruba. and discover another side
explore. crew had other plans. Tak- Under operation Neuland of what Aruba has to offer!
ing advantage of a delay (disruption of British and The story goes that the Jane
SS Antilla caused by an anticipated American oil sources), Ger- Sea arrived one day at the We highly recommend you
Dubbed “The Ghost Ship”, armed resistance, the Ger- many fleets bombed Ped- Barcadera Harbor, where embark on your adventure
SS Antilla is the biggest and mans started scuttling the ernales. The ship was later Aruban customs discovered with the guide of a profes-
most visited shipwreck site ship, opening her seacock cut into three sections, two several tons of cocaine. The sional and be sure to take
off the coast of the island. and setting her ablaze. of which were taken to the ship was confiscated and of yourself and Aruba’s pre-
Located in Malmok, this US for reconstruction. The petitioned went out for her cious nature.q
400-foot ship’s story is one Eventually, the crew was ar- remaining part stayed in owner to claim her. How-

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at the top of the Hooiberg Hill

(Oranjestad)—If you are a regular hiker, or maybe want to spice up your
morning work out session, then you might enjoy one of the most popu-
lar climbing sites on the island: The Hooiberg Hill. Accompanied with a
600-step staircase, this hill overlooks a great part of the island, the Carib-
bean sea, and sometimes even the Santa Anna mountain located in the
coastal state of Falcon in Venezuela, providing one of the best views you
can get on Aruba.

located at the center district of the island, Santa Cruz, the Hooiberg Hill is
the second highest point on the island at 165 meters above sea level (or
about 540 feet above sea level). The highest point is Jamanota Hill at 189
meters (620 feet), located in the Arikok National Park.
The staircase that run on the side of the hill was first built in 1951, when Mr.
Eduardo Tromp constructed it. At that time, the staircase consisted of 900
steps. Over time, as the steps faced erosion, the government decided to
renovate these stairs in 1991. This new project delivered the newer stair-
case with only 587 steps. However, don’t be fooled—it may still be a work
out to get on top. In addition, there is now a gazebo placed halfway up
the stair for a little rest. The view at this resting stop is also a sight to see.
The best time to climb the hill would be early in the morning or right be-
fore sunset, as it may not be as hot. However, the hill is of course open all
day, every day. q