If you’re looking for an Aruba Plane Wreck Dive, the YS-11 wreck off the coast of Oranjestad is a must-see. This Japanese turboprop passenger airliner was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and has become an incredible underwater playground. The wreck lies at a depth that’s perfect for intermediate to advanced divers—ranging from about 43 to 92 feet (13 to 28 meters). We went on a guided dive with Happy Divers Aruba and really enjoyed our experience.
To Get There
This Aruba plane wreck dive site is located off the coast of Oranjestad and is only accessible by boat. Book a guided trip:
When To Go
The best time to dive in Aruba is from April to August, when the weather is warm, and visibility is at its clearest, typically ranging from 60 to 100 feet. This period also avoids the rainy season and offers calmer seas, perfect for underwater exploration.
The History of YS-11
The YS-11 is underwater because it was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Before the YS-11 was sunk to create an artificial reef, it was used as a passenger airliner. The YS-11 was a Japanese-made turboprop aircraft designed in the 1960s by the Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC). It was primarily used by airlines for short to medium-haul flights, mostly within Japan, but it was also used by other countries for regional flights. The aircraft had a capacity to carry around 60 passengers and was known for its durability and versatility in regional aviation.
In 2000, the aircraft was donated to Aruba by its previous owners and was deliberately placed in the ocean near Oranjestad as part of a broader initiative to promote marine conservation and boost the local diving tourism industry.
Aruba plane wreck dive: YS-11 Turboprop Aircraft
What’s really special about the YS-11 is how intact it is. We got to swim through its fuselage, exploring the cockpit, wings, and even the tail, which rests with its nose at about 43 feet and its tail around 92 feet.
Over the years, the wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, attracting all kinds of colorful tropical fish, playful rays, and even sea turtles. The water is usually clear, with visibility ranging from 60 to 100 feet, so you’ll have no trouble enjoying both the wreck itself and the thriving underwater world around it.
Diving here is an easy boat ride from the coast, with plenty of local dive operators offering trips to the site. Just remember that this dive is best suited for those with some experience, as it involves a bit of depth and may even include some fun opportunities to swim through the plane’s fuselage.
Safety Considerations
While these wrecks offer an exciting adventure, it’s important to keep safety in mind:
- Experience Level: Since the wrecks are at deeper depths and can be a bit tricky to navigate, they’re best suited for divers with intermediate to advanced experience.
- Guided Dives: Diving with a local guide who knows the site well can make your experience even better, keeping you safe and offering cool insights into the wreck’s history and the marine life around it.
A Aruba plane wreck dive trip to the YS-11 is sure to be a highlight of your Aruba visit, giving you the chance to explore a submerged plane while swimming through a beautiful reef teeming with life!
Additional Tips
- Bring an underwater camera on this Aruba plane wreck dive to capture the unique perspective of swimming through a submerged plane.
- Ask your dive guide for the best angles or swim-through routes to maximize your experience.
- Take your time exploring around the wreck to enjoy both the aircraft itself and the biodiversity it supports.