Barco Hundido - Caribbean Coast

Barco Hundido, or “Sunken Ship,” isn’t just some random pile of metal. This is the remains of a cargo vessel, the *Fukou Maru*, which went down during a hurricane in the 1970s. We love a wreck with a bit of history, and this one certainly has it. What’s left of the hull sits broken up, scattered across a sandy bottom, creating a perfect habitat for all sorts of critters. You’ll spend your dive exploring crumpled plates of metal and twisted beams, each section now a little apartment for something interesting. We've seen schools of snapper hovering in the gloom, and the occasional kingfish cruises by, checking us out. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: cowfish darting into crevices and those vibrant dark green parrotfish munching on algae. Our favourite part? Peeking into the darker corners to spot French grunts huddled together. It’s a comfortable dive, not too deep, making it a great option for those new to wreck diving or anyone who just wants a relaxed exploration. We’d suggest heading out in the morning, before the afternoon breeze picks up, for the calmest conditions.

Location
Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica, Central America
Coordinates
9.330807, -82.222496
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Barco Hundido

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Known locally simply as the “Barco Hundido,” or “Sunken Ship,” the identity and history of this wreck on Costa Rica's vibrant Caribbean coast remain a mystery. Whatever its story, the vessel now serves a new purpose as a thriving artificial reef. Over the years, it has been completely colonized by the region's rich marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to find hard and soft corals encrusting its structure, providing a home for colorful reef fish, moray eels, lobsters, and countless invertebrates. The wreck offers a fantastic focal point for underwater photography and a fascinating contrast to the area's natural coral gardens.

Best Time to Dive in Caribbean Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Caribbean Coast occur in March, averaging 29.8°C. The coolest conditions are in November at 27.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.9°C
  • February: 29.6°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 29.6°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 28.4°C
  • July: 28.6°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.5°C
  • October: 28.1°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 28.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Caribbean Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Barco Hundido

Marine Life in Caribbean Coast

Home to 218 recorded species including 198 reef fish, 11 hard corals, 5 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barco Hundido

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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