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Examples of
Aruba's dive site diversity
ANTILLA WRECK (60')
Locally
referred to as the "ghost ship," this German freighter (brand new at the
time)
was scuttled in 1940 when the Germans invaded Holland during World War
II. The largest wreck in the
Caribbean (400' long), it is great for
penetrations due to the large
compartments of this
vessel covered by giant ruby sponges and coral formations. The wreck is
surrounded by lobsters and many kinds of tropical fish. It's also a
great place for night diving.
PEDERNALES WRECK
(35')
A
beginner's paradise offering a combination of large pieces of a wreck
spread out
between coral formations. You can see the complete
wreck cabins, wash basins, lavatories, toilets, etc, as well as the pipe
line system that goes with this oil tanker which was torpedoed during
the last World War by a German submarine. The U.S. Military cut this
wreck into three pieces. The center piece, which was damaged by the
torpedo, was left behind. The other two pieces were towed to the
United States
and welded together.
The new, smaller vessel took part in the
Normandy
invasion fleet of World War II. The
area is known for many
types of groupers and large numbers of angel fish.
HARBOUR REEF AND TUGBOAT WRECK (40'-90')
Exciting "barranca" slopes with an abundance of
plant and soft coral formations. Giant brain coral heads, with orange,
black and blue sponges surround these boulders, making this dive a great
one for beginners. Magnificent formations of brain, star and sheet
coral, the site of an old tugboat, and a pair of green morays which
await your arrival! On occasions spotted eagle rays and sting rays can
be seen very close by. Favorite of many with good photography equipment.
MANGEL HALTO REEF
(110')
A
pronounced slope from 15' down to 110' gives you the opportunity to
admire a myriad
of coral combinations. You will see grooved brain
coral and deep water gorgonea, sea anemones, tube sponges, vase sponges,
and all types of marine life from octopus to sea horses and
schools of yellow tails.
POS CHIQUITO (20'-80')
Awesome beauty lies below the surface. Giant star
coral "castles," "snapper city" once called by local divers. Assortment
of coral such as brain, star, pillar, flowers, finger-leaf, and sheet
corals. Big manta rays and a few turtles can be spotted at this site. A
dive not to be missed! Easily accessible by car.
LAGO REEF (120')
Aruba's
deepest dive location with impressive levels of coral formations. Deep
water
gorgonea, sponges, sea anemones and numerous marine life. All types of
fish life with many large species.
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