Arashi (Wreck) - Aruba Leeward Coast

The Arashi wreck is one of our favourite beginner-friendly dives in Aruba. It’s a Lockheed Lodestar, scattered across a 15-meter sandy bottom, and while it might not be a huge intact vessel, its broken sections offer plenty to poke around in. You’ll weave through metal ribs and plating, now encrusted with sponges and soft corals, feeling the gentle surge pull you along. We love seeing the way the reef has completely enveloped parts of the plane. Schools of snapper and grunts hover in the shade of the larger pieces, and we’ve often spotted hawksbill turtles slowly munching on algae near the landing gear. Keep an eye out for the cherub pygmy angelfish flitting in and out of the crevices. The visibility here is usually great, around 18 metres, making it perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed, shallow wreck dive without the need for advanced skills. It’s a great introduction to wreck diving, letting you get up close without any tight squeeze-throughs.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.609100, -70.057300
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Arashi (Wreck)

Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

Just off the beautiful Arashi Beach on Aruba's leeward coast lies a unique underwater attraction-not a ship, but the scattered remains of a Lockheed Lodestar aircraft. The exact story of how this twin-engine transport plane ended up on the seabed is shrouded in local legend, but its presence has created a fantastic dive site. Resting in just 35 feet (11 meters) of clear, calm water, the Arashi wreck is perfect for beginner divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers.

The aircraft is broken into several pieces, with the cockpit and tail sections being the most recognizable features. Over the years, the wreckage has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. Hard and soft corals have colonized the metal fuselage, providing a home for a dazzling array of Caribbean marine life. As you explore the site, you'll be surrounded by colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, while moray eels often peek out from crevices within the plane's structure. Its shallow depth and abundant sea life make it one of Aruba's most popular and accessible wreck dives.

Marine Protected Area: Westpunt

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 Arashi (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 Arashi (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Arashi Wreck?
The wreckage of the Lockheed Lodestar at the Arashi Wreck is scattered at approximately 35 feet (around 10.7 meters) of water. The maximum depth for diving this site is 15 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for a range of divers.
What kind of marine life and airplane wreckage can divers expect to see at the Arashi Wreck dive site?
Divers at the Arashi Wreck will encounter parts of a sunken Lockheed Lodestar airplane, resting at 35 feet of water. This wreckage is surrounded by vibrant coral formations and hosts typical Caribbean marine life. Expect to see nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper, all contributing to a rich wildlife experience.
How challenging is the Arashi Wreck dive site for different levels of divers?
The Arashi Wreck is categorized as an intermediate dive site. While the surrounding reef can be fascinating for beginners, the overall experience of navigating the wreck requires a moderate level of skill and experience. Divers should be comfortable with their buoyancy and general diving abilities.
When is the best time of year to dive the Arashi Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a 'best time of year' for diving the Arashi Wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, we recommend consulting our comprehensive When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Arashi Wreck?
The data provided does not explicitly state the required diving certifications for the Arashi Wreck. However, given its classification as an intermediate wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended. Always confirm specific certification requirements with local dive operators before planning your dive.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Arashi Wreck dive site?
Divers at the Arashi Wreck can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 18 meters, offering clear views of the wreckage and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this particular dive site.