Family vacations & luxury travel is one thing, but if you want to go to a whole new world during your trip, Aruba offers a couple of opportunities to make it happen. Beneath the turquoise waters not far off of the coast lies a graveyard of ships & planes that have been claimed by the sea. Shipwrecks dating as far back as the 1940s sit at the bottom of the sea floor where, over many years, they have become a part of the ecosystem.
The most famous wreck near Aruba is that of the German freighter, the Antilla, which was intentionally scuttled during the beginning of World War II to avoid capture by the Dutch. At first glance, you might mistake the ship for a natural part of the environment because of all the coral that has grown over the hull. Many different species of fish & aquatic plants now call the Antilla their home & tourists have the chance to visit them.
Scuba divers of all skill levels can take the plunge into the waves at most of the sites. It doesn't matter if it's your first time diving, as many of the wrecks are at safe & reasonable depths with easy access inside. Instead of just sitting on the beach during your vacation, find out what lies under the horizon in Aruba.
By diving, you get to experience this popular tropical destination in a way you may have never thought possible. You can witness the beauty of the island & that of its coasts. Not only will you feel like an underwater artifact hunter as you pass by the hidden treasures, but you'll behold a part of Aruba's colorful history. Each wreck has its own story of how it got there & there's no better way to learn about it than with your own eyes.
