BORBURATA - Aruba Leeward Coast

The *Borburata* sits upright, a dredger vessel now a surprisingly photogenic artificial reef. It’s not the biggest wreck in the Caribbean, but we love how accessible it is, and the way the light filters down through the superstructure. You can swim right through the wheelhouse and engine room, where huge tarpon often lurk in the shadows, unbothered by divers. Look closely and you’ll spot schooling grunts packed tight, and the occasional green moray peeking from a pipe. This is our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you enjoy exploring interiors without the deep technical demands of some other wreck sites. It’s shallow enough for longer bottom times, giving you plenty of opportunity to soak in the atmosphere.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
11.558333, -71.400000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - BORBURATA

Year Sunk
1984
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

Often known locally as the Jane Sea or Jane C, this 76-meter (250-foot) Venezuelan cement freighter has a colorful past. Her final commercial voyages were allegedly tied to drug smuggling, which led to her confiscation by Aruban authorities. Rather than letting her rust away in port, the decision was made to give her a new purpose beneath the waves.

In 1984, the vessel was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef for divers. She was placed perfectly, settling upright on a sandy bottom just off the leeward coast. Today, she sits with her bow at around 14 meters and her stern resting at 22 meters, making her an accessible and exciting dive for various skill levels.

The Borburata is a fantastic wreck to explore. Her large cargo holds are wide open and safe for penetration, often filled with shimmering schools of silversides. Divers can visit the wheelhouse, explore the main deck, and search for the green morays and lobsters that have taken up residence within the hull. The entire structure is covered in a vibrant layer of coral and sponges, attracting a dense population of angelfish, snapper, and barracuda.

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 BORBURATA

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 BORBURATA

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