Renaissance Airplanes

Two purpose-sunk aircraft off Renaissance Island form an artificial-reef wreck dive centered on a donated Air Aruba YS-11 (named Trupial) and an older Convair CV-240. The Convair lies in broken sections from about 12 to 22 m, while the YS-11 rests upright with its nose at about 12–14 m and tail near 25–27 m. Both wrecks host coral and marine life and the site is widely regarded as one of Aruba's most popular wreck dives. The site is normally reached by boat from Oranjestad (a few minutes) or by swimming from the nearby resort island; dives typically begin on the shallower Convair and progress to the deeper YS-11. Visibility is generally about 15 to 30 m and water temperatures are around the high 20s °C. Strong currents can occur and dives are often conducted as a mild drift; there are no fixed moorings so teams use descent lines or drift procedures under professional supervision. Maximum depth is about 27 m; standard open-water certification is generally sufficient for the depths, though wreck-penetration or advanced training is recommended for interior penetration. The Convair CV-240 was confiscated in a drug raid and purpose-sunk, then broken by a 1999 hurricane leaving intact sections of cockpit, tail and scattered fuselage and landing gear between roughly 12 and 22 m. The Air Aruba YS-11 was donated and sunk after the airline went out of business; seats and cabin fittings were removed prior to sinking, leaving an intact cabin with open swim-through passages that can be entered by wreck-trained divers, but which require caution due to tight spaces and entanglement hazards.