Airplanes (Wreck) - Aruba Leeward Coast

Airplanes Wreck on Aruba’s Leeward Coast gives us a genuine thrill. It’s not just one plane, but two Convair 240s, both big birds, settled on the seabed. We really enjoy descending onto these artificial reefs; the way they’ve broken apart over time means there are cool nooks and crannies to poke into, and the light often catches the metal just right, giving the whole scene a ghostly glow. The deeper of the two planes sits at 22 metres, a solid dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. Around the wings and fuselage, you’ll usually find clouds of snapper and grunt, often so dense they obscure parts of the wreck. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here – a curious nurse shark often pokes its head out from under a wing, and we’ve spotted eagle rays cruising by in the blue a few times. Visibility usually hovers around 18 metres, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale of these sunken giants. For us, this site is a standout for its unique character and the way marine life has truly embraced these old aircraft.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.504000, -70.034100
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Airplanes (Wreck)

Year Sunk
1999
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
scuttled

Aruba offers a truly unique dive on not one, but two intentionally sunk airplanes, creating a fascinating artificial reef. The site's main attractions are a Convair 240 and a larger YS-11. These former passenger planes were deliberately sent to the seabed to provide a new habitat for marine life and an unforgettable experience for divers. Their proximity to each other allows divers to explore both wrecks in a single dive, making it one of the most popular sites on the island.

The first aircraft, the Convair 240, was sunk in 1999. The second, a YS-11 that once flew for Air Aruba, joined it on the sandy bottom in 2004. The YS-11 had a colorful past, having been confiscated in a drug bust. It was later damaged by a hurricane, sealing its fate as a future dive wreck. The Convair was broken into several pieces by storms, creating interesting swim-throughs, while the YS-11 remains largely intact.

Today, divers can explore the ghostly fuselages and cockpits of these submerged aircraft. The Convair's separated fuselage offers easy penetration, while the intact YS-11 allows a swim down its central aisle. Both wrecks have been thoroughly colonized by a vibrant array of corals and sponges. They have become a bustling hub for marine life, including schools of fish, moray eels, and crustaceans, offering endless opportunities for underwater photographers and curious explorers.

Marine Protected Area: Zuidkust

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Airplanes (Wreck)

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Airplanes (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories