AMBAR I - Rincon & West Coast

The Ambar I isn’t just a wreck, it’s a proper deep dive, sitting upright at 54 metres off Rincon. We love a good penetration, and this 50-metre motor vessel, sunk mysteriously back in ‘91, is perfect for those with the right training. Drop down the line and you’ll find her surprisingly intact, offering access to the engine room and cargo hold if you’re comfortable. The darkness down there is profound, but your torch beam picks out schooling snapper and jacks weaving through the deck fittings. Look closely for the shy garden eels poking their heads from the sand around the bow, swaying in the gentle current. This site is definitely one for the experienced tech diver, or at least someone comfortable with significant depth, because that bottom time flies by. Our favourite part? The way the light just barely filters down, giving the whole wreck a ghostly, blue glow. Head out early in the morning; we’ve found the currents tend to pick up later in the day.

Location
Rincon & West Coast, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.531666, -67.173330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Wreck History - AMBAR I

Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Shrouded in mystery, the Ambar I is a deep technical wreck lying off Puerto Rico's west coast. This 50-meter motor vessel was on a passage from Boca Chica to San Juan in November 1991 when it vanished beneath the waves. The exact cause of the sinking remains unknown, leaving behind an intriguing puzzle for divers to ponder as they explore its remains.

Sitting at a depth of 54 meters, the Ambar I is a serious dive intended only for certified technical divers with experience in deep wreck penetration and decompression procedures. The descent through the warm, blue Caribbean water reveals a well-preserved vessel resting on the sandy bottom. Exploring the Ambar I offers a thrilling sense of discovery, connecting divers with the silent, enigmatic final moments of this modern ship.

Marine Protected Area: Tres Palmas de Rincón Marine Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Rincon & West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Rincon & West Coast occur in January, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.3°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • February: 27.3°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 27.3°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 27.3°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.3°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.3°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • July: 27.3°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.3°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 27.3°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • November: 27.3°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.3°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rincon & West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to AMBAR I

Marine Life in Rincon & West Coast

Home to 514 recorded species including 430 reef fish, 36 hard corals, 13 sharks & rays, 7 whales & dolphins, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AMBAR I

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°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