wreck

Log This Dive

JOSE PALENZUELA

Jose Palenzuela, just off Isla de la Juventud, is a wreck dive that really brings history to life. It’s a shallow site, only 6 metres deep, making it perfect for a relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to wrecks. We love how the sunlight filters through the water, illuminating the remains of this old cargo ship, sunk in 1960 during a hurricane. What you're really getting here is a sense of time passing. The wreck isn't intact, but rather scattered debris. The bow is distinct, almost standing guard, and then you have plates and machinery spread across the sand. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers, especially with that clear, shallow water. Look closely and you’ll find schools of grunts sheltering in the metalwork, and plenty of damselfish darting between the rusty frames. Our favourite part is navigating through the larger sections, feeling the history of the vessel under your fingertips. It’s not a huge wreck, so you can really take your time and explore every nook. Go slow, keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the crevices, and just enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this underwater relic.