Barco Hundido - Isla de la Juventud

Barco Hundido, or “Sunken Ship,” off Isla de la Juventud, is one of those wrecks that really tells a story. We love this site because it’s not just a pile of metal; it feels like stepping back into a moment in time, a genuine relic of Cuba’s revolutionary past. The wreck, believed to be a former patrol boat, rests upright and mostly intact, inviting exploration. You’ll want to bring a torch, not just for peering into the darker corners, but to really make the colours pop. We usually drop onto the bow, then work our way aft, gliding past the bridge structure and down towards the stern. Keep an eye out for the resident green moray eels, they often peek out from shadowy crevices. Schools of glassy sweepers shimmer inside the hull, and we’ve often spotted eagle rays cruising by in the deeper blue. It’s a straightforward dive, suitable for most certified divers, with depths around 15-20 metres, making for good bottom time. Our favourite part is lingering on the deck, watching the light play on the sponges and corals that have started to reclaim the metal. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for photographers looking for an atmospheric shot. Just be mindful of the occasional mild current; it usually adds a nice drift to the experience.

Location
Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, Caribbean
Coordinates
23.173466, -81.227190
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Barco Hundido

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The waters surrounding Cuba's Isla de la Juventud are steeped in maritime history, from Spanish galleons to pirate tales. The dive site known as “Barco Hundido” adds another, more recent chapter to this story. Though the specific name and history of this particular vessel have been lost to time, it has become a popular destination for divers. Now an artificial reef, its metal framework provides an ideal substrate for sponges and corals to flourish. Divers can explore its decaying structure, peering into holds that are now home to groupers, snappers, and schools of grunts, making it a perfect example of how nature reclaims what the sea has taken.

Marine Protected Area: Cayo Mono-Galindo

Best Time to Dive in Isla de la Juventud

The warmest water temperatures in Isla de la Juventud occur in January, averaging 26.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.8°C (air: 24.1°C)
  • February: 26.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • March: 26.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 26.8°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • May: 26.8°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 26.8°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • July: 26.8°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • August: 26.8°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • September: 26.8°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 26.8°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 26.8°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • December: 26.8°C (air: 24.6°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Isla de la Juventud

Nearest Dive Centres to Barco Hundido

Marine Life in Isla de la Juventud

Home to 143 recorded species including 99 reef fish, 28 hard corals, 6 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barco Hundido

Based on average water temperature of 26.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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