Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) - Curaçao Southeast

Okay, so the Airplane Wreck near Santa Martha, it’s not exactly a massive shipwreck, but it’s got a real charm. It’s a Cessna, pretty broken up, lying in about 21 metres of water. We love a site with a story, and you can still imagine the impact here, the way the fuselage bent. There’s something a bit eerie about it, but also fascinating. We always approach from the shore, finning out from the old Sunset Waters Resort. It's a bit of a swim, so conserve air. The wreck itself is home to some fantastic creatures. Look for those Atlantic Yellow Cowries tucked away, they’re beautiful. We’ve seen Great Barracuda cruising nearby, and the blennies are everywhere, popping their heads out of tiny holes. The coral has really started to reclaim parts of the plane, especially the wings, turning it into an artificial reef. It’s a great spot for anyone who enjoys exploring a wreck without needing deep certs, and the photographic opportunities with the light filtering through the broken fuselage are excellent. Just keep an eye out for boat traffic, a surface marker buoy is a must.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.267300, -69.128500
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)

Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

Just offshore from the abandoned Sunset Waters Resort in Santa Martha Bay lies the scattered remains of a small aircraft. The story of how this Cessna ended up on the seafloor is shrouded in local legend, with the most popular tale suggesting it was a drug runner's plane that ran out of fuel and crashed just short of the island. While the true story is unknown, the wreckage provides a unique focal point for a fascinating shore dive.

The main fuselage and wings of the Cessna rest in shallow water, around 5 meters (15 feet) deep, making it easily accessible for divers and even snorkelers. Over the years, the structure has been colonized by corals and sponges, attracting a host of reef fish. The site is an excellent starting point for a dive, as the wreckage sits on a sandy plateau that quickly gives way to a beautiful, sloping reef wall. Divers can explore the plane before continuing their dive along the vibrant drop-off.

Marine Protected Area: Shete Boka Park

Best Time to Dive in Curaçao Southeast

The warmest water temperatures in Curaçao Southeast occur in October, averaging 29.7°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C
  • February: 26.6°C
  • March: 26.8°C
  • April: 27.0°C
  • May: 27.6°C
  • June: 28.0°C
  • July: 28.2°C
  • August: 29.0°C
  • September: 29.5°C
  • October: 29.7°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Curaçao Southeast

Nearest Dive Centres to Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)

Marine Life in Curaçao Southeast

Home to 322 recorded species including 259 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 7 other, 6 crabs & lobsters, 5 seagrass & algae, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)

Based on average water temperature of 28.0°C, currents 22 cm/s.

  • 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