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a8 local
Friday 28 November 2025

Up for a snorkeling adventure in Aruba?

Top 3 shipwrecks to explore

(ORANJESTAD) – Aruba is
not only the perfect vaca-
tion destination to sit back
and relax on the sandy
beaches but also has great
snorkeling spots for pas-
sionate adventurers to ex-
plore. On the coast of the
island, there are various
shipwrecks that have be-
come fan-favorites over
the years. Here are the top
3 shipwrecks you should
explore.

SS Antilla
Dubbed “The Ghost Ship”,
SS Antilla is the biggest and
most visited shipwreck site
off the coast of the island.
Located in Malmok, this
400-foot ship’s story is one
of capture and sabotage
during WWII.

After Germany invaded
The Netherlands, Dutch
authorities ordered the
confinement of the ship’s
German crew, who were
ported in Aruba because
it needed to find a neutral
port. The Dutch ordered
the ship to be confiscated,
but the German crew had
other plans. Taking advan- SS Pedernales ing site that has attracted Jane was a cement freight- overgrown with coral and
tage of a delay caused Like the Antilla, the story many visitors throughout er between Venezuela and is home to a diverse set of
by an anticipated armed of SS Pedernales dates to the years. Aruba. marine life, like turtles, octo-
resistance, the Germans WWII. Pedernales was used pus, crabs and sometimes
started scuttling the ship, as a lake tanker between Pedernales lies on the The story goes that the even nurse sharks.
opening her seacock and Venezuela and Aruba, and north-west coast of Aruba, Jane Sea arrived one day
setting her ablaze. sailed under British Flag. At and is no more than 10 feet at the Barcadera Harbor, The stories behind these
this time, The US and Britain under water, making it an where Aruban customs dis- shipwrecks enriches their
Eventually, the crew was ar- were using Aruba and Cu- ideal site for snorkelers and covered several tons of co- exploration and offers snor-
rested, but SS Antilla could racao as fuel stations for divers of all levels. caine. The ship was confis- kelers and divers a glance
not be saved by the Dutch the war ships. cated and petitioned went into the past, as well as the
forces. The Dutch fired two Jane Sea Wreck out for her owner to claim beautiful marine life that
rounds of their 35mm gun Under operation Neuland The Jane Sea Wreck lies her. However, several years have molded these wrecks
aboard the ‘Aruba’ at SS (disruption of British and near Palm Island at 100 feet went by and no one came into their home. So, grab
Antilla and left her to sink. American oil sources), Ger- underwater. Jane’s story is forward to claim the ship, your equipment and dis-
many fleets bombed Ped- heavily speculated, mak- so dive operators decided cover another side of what
The shipwreck can only be ernales. The ship was later ing her origin a tale of leg- to sink her as an artificial Aruba has to offer!
reached by boat. The ship cut into three sections, two ends. reef. This happened in 1988.
is visible from the surface of which were taken to Jane Sea earned the nick- We highly recommend you
and during your snorkeling the US for reconstruction. Launched in 1959, the name Jane C, because of embark on your adventure
trip you’ll be surrounded by The remaining part stayed 190-feet ship was initially the illicit white powder dis- with the guide of a profes-
hundreds of tropical fishes, in Aruba and was used as called “Blackthorn”. Her covered on board. sional and be sure to take
but the shipwreck alone is target practice. Eventually, last owner, S&D Shipping of yourself and Aruba’s pre-
already impressive enough. the ship became a snorkel- Ltd. named her Jane Sea. Jane is now beautifully cious nature.q