Barco Hundido
Why dive here
With 217+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and pufferfish - Barco Hundido offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest February, March, April.
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.
Typical Barco Hundido Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Barco Hundido Wreck History
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.
Reviews for Barco Hundido
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Barco Hundido
Barco Hundido Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Barco Hundido, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.53°C
83°F
Current Speed
2.24 cm/s
Direction: NE (26.6°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.24 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
29.15 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
Book a dive trip in Caribbean Coast
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking
Where to Stay near Barco Hundido
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.