Skip to content
Plan your trip

Beaches • Nature • People • Culture

Discover Aruba

Your complete guide to One Happy Island

California Wreck Dive Site

The SS California wreck on Aruba's north coast: a steamship wrecked in 1891, only diveable on rare calm days by experienced divers.

Advertisement

Explore

Popular topics

View all topics

Inspiration

Featured articles

View all articles

A historic wreck on the rough north coast


SS California WreckThe steamship California ran aground on Aruba's north coast on the night of 23 September 1891. The wreck lies close to shore, near the California Lighthouse that was later named after it.

The north coast is exposed to wind and waves, so the wreck can only be dived on rare calm days and is suitable for experienced divers only. It is not a regular site for dive operators.

Highlights

  • Historic wreck from 1891
  • Close to the California Lighthouse
  • Wild and unspoilt setting

Good to know

  • Location: north coast, near the California Lighthouse
  • Depth: up to about 14 m (45 ft)
  • Level: advanced only, on calm days

Prices, schedules and conditions change regularly, so check with the operator or venue before you go.

See also: more dive sites in Aruba.

Last updated: September 2026.

Advertisement

Explore Aruba

Discover by area

View all areas