Aruba Shipwreck Snorkeling – Explore Antilla, Baboo & Kappel
Aruba isn’t just about white sandy beaches and turquoise water, it’s also one of the Caribbean’s best destinations for shipwreck snorkeling. This sunny Dutch island hides fascinating stories beneath its surface, where sunken vessels have turned into colorful marine habitats full of life.
The good news? You don’t need to be a scuba diver to explore them! Several wrecks rest in shallow, crystal-clear water, making them perfect for snorkelers of all ages and skill levels.
In this guide, we’ll take you to the three best Aruba shipwreck snorkeling spots, the legendary SS Antilla, the shallow Baboo, and the scenic Kappel wreck. You’ll learn where they are, how to get there safely, and what kind of marine life you can expect to see along the way.
Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned underwater explorer, these wrecks promise a glimpse into Aruba’s rich maritime past, and an unforgettable snorkeling adventure.
SS Antilla Shipwreck – Malmok Beach
Quick Facts
Depth: 12-18 meters (40-60 ft)
Access: Boat only (strong currents)
Location: Malmok Bay, near Tres Trapi
Highlights: Largest wreck in the Caribbean, vibrant corals, turtles, lobsters
Story of the Antilla Wreck
The SS Antilla, nicknamed “The Ghost Ship of Aruba”, was a 400-foot German cargo ship built in 1939. When Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the ship was anchored off Aruba. Rather than surrender to the Dutch Marines, the captain scuttled his own vessel by detonating explosives on board.
Today, the wreck lies in shallow, turquoise water just 700 meters offshore, split into several sections but still remarkably intact. Its size and haunting history make it one of the most iconic shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
What You’ll See While Snorkeling
Even from the surface, snorkelers can spot the ship’s outline and parts of its starboard side that nearly break the surface. The Antilla’s metal hull has become home to hard corals, tube sponges, and sea fans, creating a mini underwater reef system.
You’ll often encounter green sea turtles, moray eels, lobsters, and schools of reef fish weaving through the wreck’s open corridors. On calm, sunny days, the visibility is crystal clear, perfect for underwater photos.
How to Visit the Antilla (Tours & Tips)
While the Antilla lies close to shore, don’t attempt to swim there on your own, the current between Malmok Beach and the wreck can be deceptively strong. The safest and easiest way to visit is by joining a snorkeling tour.
Popular choices include:
Jolly Pirates Cruise – Sail on a fun pirate-themed boat with music and open bar.
De Palm Tours – Offers combo packages with snorkeling stops and onboard lunch.
Underwater Scooter Tours – For thrill-seekers who want to glide effortlessly around the wreck.
Bring your reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling fins, and underwater camera, and you’ll be ready for one of Aruba’s most memorable underwater experiences.
Baboo Shipwreck – Palm/Malmok Beach
Quick Facts
Depth: 2-3 meters (6-10 ft)
Access: Easy shore entry
Location: Malmok Beach, just past Palm Beach
Highlights: Shallow site, calm water, beginner-friendly, lots of fish
History of the Baboo Wreck
The Baboo is one of Aruba’s most photogenic snorkeling wrecks, and one of the easiest to reach. Originally sunk years ago to form an artificial reef, the vessel was pushed partially back to the surface after a powerful hurricane in 1999.
Today, its weathered frame rests just offshore from Malmok Beach, where sunlight filters beautifully through the shallow water, lighting up schools of tropical fish that now call it home.
Best Conditions & Safety Tips
The water around the Baboo wreck is calm and shallow, making it ideal for families, beginners, and casual snorkelers. Most of the area is only waist- to chest-deep, so you can comfortably float above the wreck without diving down.
Because of its proximity to shore and gentle conditions, Baboo is one of the safest shipwrecks to snorkel in Aruba. You’ll likely spot sergeant majors, parrotfish, blue tangs, and maybe even a few curious pelicans diving nearby for fish.
Pro tip: The shoreline here is rocky and slippery, bring water shoes or neoprene socks to protect your feet when entering or exiting the water.
Getting There & Parking Info
You’ll find the Baboo wreck about 50 meters from the shoreline at Malmok Beach, right after Palm Beach.
- By car: Free parking is available along the road near the beach.
- By bus: The Arubus stop at Malmok is a short walk away.
Once you arrive, wade in slowly until the water gets deep enough to put on your fins, then swim straight toward the wreck, you can’t miss it.
Since the water is very shallow, you need to walk a little bit to reach deeper water where you can put your snorkeling fins on. The shoreline is rocky and slippery, bring water shoes or wear neoprene socks to avoid injuries!
Kappel Shipwreck – Mangel Halto Lagoon
Quick Facts
Depth: 12-15 meters (40-50 ft)
Access: Shore entry from Mangel Halto Beach
Location: Inside the Mangel Halto Lagoon, near the yellow buoy
Highlights: Clear water, calm lagoon, growing coral life
About the Kappel Wreck
The Kappel is Aruba’s “newest” shipwreck, resting quietly in the clear waters of Mangel Halto Lagoon. This small tugboat was intentionally sunk to create a new artificial reef and attract marine life. Although it’s a relatively recent addition to Aruba’s underwater landscape, the wreck has already begun to transform, sponges, small corals, and reef fish have started to claim it as their home.
Compared to the massive Antilla or the easy-access Baboo, the Kappel offers a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path snorkeling experience. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Mangel Halto’s mangrove-fringed lagoon.
Marine Life Around the Site
Even though the corals are still developing, you’ll still find schools of grunts, damselfish, butterflyfish, and sergeant majors weaving through the wreck. The surrounding reef at Mangel Halto is one of Aruba’s most vibrant snorkeling areas, so take time to explore beyond the Kappel itself, especially along the edges of the lagoon, where coral heads and sponges thrive.
Visibility is usually excellent here, making it a great place for underwater photography or a relaxed, slow-paced snorkel session.
How to Find the Wreck
The Kappel rests about 20 meters from the yellow buoy in the center of Mangel Halto Lagoon. The easiest way to get there is to enter the water from the concrete stairs at the beach and swim straight toward the buoy, you’ll spot the wreck below as soon as you reach deeper water.
There’s free parking right by the beach, and you’ll often find a few shade huts and benches where you can relax before or after your snorkel.
Best Tours for Aruba Shipwreck Snorkeling
The easiest and safest way to explore Aruba’s shipwrecks is by joining a guided snorkeling tour. These tours not only provide transportation and gear, but they also know the best conditions and timing for each site. Whether you’re after fun and music or a quiet day on the water, there’s an option for every snorkeler.
Here are some of the island’s top-rated tours that include stops at the Antilla, Baboo, or Kappel wrecks:
Jolly Pirates Cruise
If you want your snorkeling day to feel like a party, the Jolly Pirates tour is a classic choice. Sail aboard a real wooden pirate ship, enjoy tropical drinks, music, and even a rope swing between snorkeling stops.
Highlights:
- Visits Antilla Wreck and Catalina Bay
- Includes open bar & BBQ lunch
- Great for groups and families
De Palm Tours Snorkel Adventure
De Palm Tours is Aruba’s most established operator, known for its comfortable catamarans and professional guides. Their Snorkel Adventure takes you to the Antilla wreck and one or two shallow reefs, offering a perfect mix of fun and education.
Highlights:
- Gear and flotation devices included
- Hotel pickup available
- Ideal for beginners and couples
Sailaway Tours Aruba
For a more relaxed and boutique-style experience, Sailaway Tours offers small-group snorkeling excursions with personalized attention. Their modern sailboats and friendly crew make the day feel intimate and local.
Highlights:
- Smaller groups (less crowded)
- Antilla wreck and coral reef combo
- Snacks, drinks, and local guides
Tip: Most tours depart from Palm Beach, and it’s best to book your tour in advance, especially during high season (December-April). Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best comfort and fit, and always use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Aruba’s coral life.
Tips for Snorkeling Aruba’s Wrecks
Snorkeling Aruba’s shipwrecks is an unforgettable experience, but a little preparation makes all the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here are some local-tested tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
1. Know Your Conditions
Aruba enjoys warm, calm seas most of the year, but trade winds can occasionally create surface chop and stronger currents, especially near the Antilla wreck. Always check the weather before heading out, and if the wind looks strong, consider booking a tour instead of swimming from shore.
2. Bring the Right Gear
For clear vision and comfort, bring a high-quality mask and snorkel that fit your face properly. Short fins are perfect for shallow spots like the Baboo wreck, while longer fins help when currents are stronger around the Antilla.
A rash guard or lightweight wetsuit protects you from both sunburn and jellyfish stings.
3. Protect the Reef and Yourself
Use reef-safe sunscreen, chemical sunscreens can damage coral and marine life. Look for zinc-based or biodegradable formulas and apply them at least 15 minutes before entering the water.
Avoid standing on or touching the wrecks and corals, as these structures are fragile and home to small sea creatures.
4. Go Early or Late for the Best Conditions
The best snorkeling visibility is usually early morning or late afternoon, when the sea is calm and sunlight creates golden reflections underwater. Midday can bring more boat traffic, especially around the Antilla wreck.
5. Safety First
- Always snorkel with a buddy.
- Wear a snorkel vest or float belt if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Avoid swimming out to offshore wrecks alone.
- Bring drinking water and a dry bag for valuables.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting several beaches in one day, pack your snorkel gear in a mesh bag and rinse it after each stop. Aruba’s sandy beaches can be windy, and keeping your mask and snorkel clean will save you from leaks and fogging.
Why Aruba Is Perfect for Shipwreck Snorkeling
Aruba’s underwater world tells stories of history, adventure, and transformation. From the vast steel hull of the SS Antilla to the shallow, fish-filled Baboo, and the peaceful lagoon around the Kappel wreck, each site offers something truly special for snorkelers.
With year-round sunshine, warm turquoise water, and excellent visibility, conditions couldn’t be better. Even beginners can enjoy world-class snorkeling without needing scuba certification, just a mask, fins, and a sense of curiosity.
Aruba also stands out for how close its best wrecks are to the shore. You can spend the morning exploring historic shipwrecks, the afternoon relaxing on white-sand beaches, and the evening watching one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful sunsets, all within a few kilometers.
Whether you book a guided snorkeling tour or explore from the beach, you’ll experience more than just wrecks, you’ll witness how nature reclaims history, turning sunken ships into colorful coral gardens teeming with life.
So grab your gear, dive into the clear Caribbean sea, and discover why Aruba is one of the best islands for shipwreck snorkeling.
Conclusion – Why You Should Go Shipwreck Snorkeling in Aruba?
The year-round hot climate and warm, clear sea guarantee the best conditions for snorkeling in Aruba. You find heavenly beaches around the island with calm water, easy entrance, and stunning coral reefs. Swimming with sea turtles in Aruba is a must-try activity, but if you are an adventurous snorkeler, Aruba shipwreck snorkeling is an adventure that you will enjoy for sure! Aruba has the reputation of having excellent wrecks including airplanes, huge tankers, barges, and tugs. Most of them rest in deep water, therefore are available for divers only, but some of them lie in the shallow so can be explored while snorkeling too, these are the SS Antilla, the Baboo Wreck, and the Kappel Wreck.
Aruba Shipwreck Snorkeling FAQ
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