The Aruba scenery and snorkel spots South-East side: Spanish Lagoon Cruising through the Spanish Lagoon, the scenery is completely different then what you might expect. Aruba has a lot to offer like plenty of sun, beautiful beaches, beautiful resorts and friendly people. But there is another part of Aruba which on most excursions our guests do not get to see.

From our motor yacht you will have a front row seat to get a look at our modern Queen Beatrix International Airport which can accommodate commercial jet aircrafts as large as the Boeing 747. The island is served by a number of airlines, and connections can be made to any part of the world. The Aruban Landfill in Parkietenbos, also referred to as the dump, is on the charter route. Our landfill is a modern landfill that has a system for draining liquids as well as a leak detection system, it has a solid membrane surface and then usually erosion fabric and sod on top. This makes it up-to-date and it does meet Subtitle D regulations for landfills. Our landfill also employs some strict recycling guidelines. In recent years, the biggest question is how to develop a waste management system that fits well with a blooming and growing population. En route to Mangel Halto, guest on our charter may see the work being done at the landfill. Passing by the dump takes approximately 5 minutes.

We also pass by the water and power plant, WEB N.V. For more than 70 years, WEB N.V. has been responsible for the production of Aruba's drinking water and power, doing an outstanding job at it. Aruba does not have a natural source of fresh water and rainfall is limited. Aruba's population of 100,000 inhabitants plus the more than 700,000 tourists who visit annually, have access to sufficient drinking water which in quality and taste can compete with any other water in the world, including bottled water! W.E.B. Aruba N.V. generates electricity, and produces drinking and industrial water through an integrated process utilizing steam.

The cornerstone of this process is the desalination of seawater, which Aruba has in abundance from the Caribbean Sea. On the other side of the lagoon you'll have a breathtaking view of the exclusive Renaissance Island, the Barcadera Reef, beautiful mangrove forests and finally, the Mangel Halto Reef.

Mangel Halto Reef

Nobody can and will deny it: This is absolutely the most beautiful snorkel spot in Aruba. The underwater world is fantastic; lots of colorful fish and beautiful coral. This reef is the healthiest on the island; we always stress on the fact that it is very important not to touch or stand on any of the coral you see. Not only because of the fact that it might be slightly harmful for your skin (you can get a little rash and itch) but more importantly, this coral is to be protected for it takes hundreds of years to form.

You will not see this kind of coral anywhere else in Aruba, it is absolutely amazing. You'll be happy and relieved to notice that this spot is not crowded with boats and people, just the way we like it!

Malmok Area: Boca Catalina

Catalina Bay (Boca Catalina) is ideal for beginner snorkelers and kids. It's a nice shallow area, perfect for those who have not snorkeled in a long time. You will explore the shallow waters and enjoy a variety of colorful tropical fish and some species of corals.

Malmok Area: Antilla

When Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, the relationship between the two nations was obviously strained. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this extended to Aruba. The Antilla was a German U-boat supply ship that was anchored off the coast of Aruba at the time. A contingent of Dutch Marines gave the ship 24 hours to surrender.

The Antilla was fairly new at the time, and rather than see her turned over to the enemy, the Captain decided to scuttle the ship. After putting the crew ashore, he heated up the boilers, which were amidships, and opened the sea cocks. When the cold sea water hit the hot boilers, they exploded, ripping the ship in half. It sank in eight minutes.

Now, Antilla is home to a variety of tropical and colorful fish. Fish include: The Parrot Fish, Barracudas, Fresh Angel Fish, Yellow Tail Snapper, Grunt, Blue Tang, Butterfly Fish, Green Moray , Puffer Fish, Sergeant Mayor, Southern Stingray, Queen Flounder, Stoplight Parrotfish and Trumpet Fish.

At 400 feet (122 meters) long, the Antilla is the Caribbean's largest shipwreck. It lies on its port side at a maximum depth of 55 feet, though it can readily be seen from the surface.