Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters)
Protected Area
Shete Boka Park
Why dive here
With 310+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, octopuses, orcas, sea turtles and sperm whales - Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters) offers some of Curaçao Southeast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
The Airplane Wreck at Sunset Waters isn't just a plane in the ocean, it's a genuine slice of history. It was deliberately sunk back in the 70s, a small commuter craft, and now it sits at a very manageable depth, maybe 15 metres, making it super accessible for most divers. We love poking around the fuselage. You can actually swim through the cockpit, which feels a bit surreal, imagining the pilots. What makes it a standout for us isn't just the plane itself, but how nature has completely taken over. Big schools of French grunt shelter under the wings, their silver scales glinting in the light that filters through. Look closely and you’ll find Mushroom Scorpionfish, masters of camouflage, tucked into crevices, almost invisible against the coral growth. We’ve seen Great Barracuda cruising past, keeping a watchful eye on everything. The corals, especially the Lettuce Coral and robust star corals, have really encrusted the wreck. It's an ideal spot for macro enthusiasts, but equally engaging for those who just want to explore a cool wreck without going too deep. Our tip: go early to avoid any crowds.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters) Wreck History
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown
Located in the beautiful Santa Martha Bay, the dive site known as "Sunset Waters" is home to a small but intriguing airplane wreck. The aircraft, a Cessna, is rumored to have been involved in illicit activities, crashing just offshore after running out of fuel. While its true history remains a mystery, the wreck now serves as the centerpiece of a popular and accessible shore dive, easily reached from the beach of the now-closed resort.
The plane lies in pieces in very shallow water, allowing divers of all levels to explore its coral-encrusted remains. The main fuselage sits on a sandy patch, providing shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. This site offers a unique two-in-one experience: divers can begin by exploring the man-made structure of the wreck before drifting along the adjacent drop-off, a healthy and vibrant reef wall teeming with typical Caribbean marine life. It's a perfect combination of wreck and reef diving in a single location.
Nearest Dive Centres to Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters)
Dive shops near Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters)
PADI Diving School
Porto Mari Dive Center
Divers Republic
Coral Divers Curacao
Sublime Diving
Go West Diving
Reviews for Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters)
Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Airplane Wreck (Sunset Waters), sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.97°C
84°F
Current Speed
19.1 cm/s
Direction: NW (312.9°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.071 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
35.3 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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