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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site?
The maximum depth for the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site is 21 meters. This depth makes it accessible for many certified divers.
What marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)?
At the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site, divers can explore the fascinating remains of a Cessna aircraft that crashed here. Beyond the wreck, the dive features a beautiful dropoff. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wreck sites and dropoffs often attract a variety of reef fish and other creatures, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
Is the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site suitable for beginner divers?
The Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it less suitable for absolute beginner divers. Divers should be aware of potential strong currents and boat traffic, necessitating the use of a buoy for safety. It's best for divers with some experience who are comfortable with varying conditions.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)?
The provided data for the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) dive site does not specify a best time of year or day to dive. For general information on optimal diving seasons in Curaçao, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated for the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha), its intermediate difficulty suggests that an Open Water Diver certification with some experience would be appropriate. Given the maximum depth of 21m, an Advanced Open Water certification would also comfortably cover the depth requirements and enhance safety. Always ensure you are comfortable with the conditions, especially potential strong currents.
What are the typical currents and water conditions at the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha)?
Divers at the Airplane Wreck (Santa Martha) can expect an average visibility of 19 meters, offering clear views of the site. However, there can be a strong current, so divers should be prepared for these conditions. Additionally, boat traffic is present, making it essential to bring a buoy for safety.