12-28m
    Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

    Barco Hundido

    Good diving all year

    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 29-31°C, warmest March, April, May.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Turtles and Pufferfish · 217+ species recorded
    Water29-31°C · warmest March, April, May
    CharacterWreck dive · max 12-28m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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

    5m10mSafety Stop0m12m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today06:1818:1611h 58m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    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

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Barco Hundido

    Barco Hundido Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Barco Hundido, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (9.78, -84.89) (48km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    29°C

    85°F · Range: 27.9–31.1°C

    Current Speed

    5 cm/s

    Direction: N (0°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.142 mg/m³

    Clear water

    Salinity

    28.81 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Caribbean Coast, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Caribbean Coast

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Caribbean Coast.

    Search stays in Caribbean Coast

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Barco Hundido

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Caribbean Coast