BORBURATA
Why dive here
With 82+ marine species recorded in the area - including orcas, sea turtles, whale sharks, frogfish and lionfish - BORBURATA offers some of Aruba Leeward Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
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.
Typical BORBURATA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 22m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BORBURATA Wreck History
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.
Reviews for BORBURATA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BORBURATA
BORBURATA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BORBURATA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.42, -70.08) (19km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 28.3–31.4°C
Air Temperature
29°C
84°F
Wind Speed
7.31 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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