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local Thursday 11 sepTember 2025

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

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