WISHING STAR - Fajardo & East Coast

The Wishing Star is our favourite kind of wreck dive, a proper historical piece with a story behind it. We love a site that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. This former supply vessel, tragically sunk in '88 after a collision and then scuttled by the Coast Guard, lies upright at 52 metres. Dropping down, you feel the depth, but the visibility here often makes it feel less imposing. The wreck itself is a playground for advanced divers, a 50-metre steel canvas covered in decades of growth. You’ll find big tarpon lurking in the shadows of the wheelhouse, often startling you as they shoot out. Our pick for exploration is definitely the bow, where the damage from the collision is still visible, giving a real sense of its history. We've seen schools of horse-eye jacks swirling around the mast on multiple occasions, a fantastic sight. The deck has started to collapse in places, opening up new swim-throughs, but watch your buoyancy; silt-outs are easy to cause. This is a dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles and interested in wrecks with character.

Location
Fajardo & East Coast, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.448334, -65.600000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Fajardo & East Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Fajardo & East Coast occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 25.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Fajardo & East Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to WISHING STAR

Marine Life in Fajardo & East Coast

Home to 511 recorded species including 399 reef fish, 40 hard corals, 16 sharks & rays, 12 other, 10 whales & dolphins, 9 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for WISHING STAR

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Wishing Star dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Wishing Star dive site is 52 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Wishing Star dive site?
The Wishing Star is primarily a wreck dive, featuring a supply vessel that was sunk on December 16, 1988. Divers can explore the remains of this 50.3m x 11.3m vessel, which was later sunk by gunfire from a US Coastguard Cutter. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract various reef fish and invertebrates over time.
How challenging is the Wishing Star dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Wishing Star dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a maximum depth of 52 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have advanced certification and experience with deep diving to safely explore this site.
What are the best tidal conditions and times of year to dive at the Wishing Star dive site?
Information regarding the best tidal conditions and specific times of year to dive at the Wishing Star dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on optimal diving seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section or local dive operators in Fajardo & East Coast, Puerto Rico.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Wishing Star site?
Given the Wishing Star dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 52 meters, divers would typically need an advanced open water certification, along with specialized deep diving training. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely manage the challenges of a deep wreck dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Wishing Star dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information about the typical current conditions or visibility at the Wishing Star dive site. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators in Fajardo & East Coast, Puerto Rico for the most current conditions before planning your dive.