Last updated: August 25, 2026
The Antilla shipwreck is the Caribbean’s most famous snorkel site for a reason: a 400-foot German freighter, scuttled in 1940, resting in calm, clear water off Malmok. Because parts sit barely below the surface, snorkelers see as much as divers. Here is the story, and how to visit.
The history, briefly
The Antilla was a German cargo ship trapped in neutral Aruba when World War II broke out. Rather than surrender her, the captain opened the valves and set her ablaze in 1940. She has rested on the sandy bottom ever since, slowly becoming the island’s richest reef.
What you will see
- The hull and masts, wrapped in coral and sponges.
- Clouds of sergeant majors, angelfish, and parrotfish.
- Sea turtles, if your timing is lucky.
- Visibility of 60+ feet on calm mornings.
How to visit the Antilla shipwreck
You cannot swim there from shore — it sits about a half mile out. Instead, join a catamaran snorkel sail from Palm Beach, because nearly all of them stop at the wreck. Our catamaran guide compares the boats, and Viator’s Aruba list shows live prices with free cancellation. Divers can go deeper on a dedicated wreck dive; see our snorkeling guide for conditions.
Best time to go
Mornings win: calmer sea, better visibility, fewer boats. Moreover, low season (September and October) pairs the calmest water of the year with the cheapest sails. That combination is hard to beat.
