DON ADAN - Lake Atitlan

Don Adan isn’t your typical Caribbean wreck dive. Forget warm, blue water and colourful corals. This is Lake Atitlan, a high-altitude volcanic lake, and diving here is a different beast entirely. We love Don Adan because it’s a tangible piece of local history, sitting in a freshwater environment that feels incredibly unique. The wreck itself, a fishing vessel sunk back in ’89, is surprisingly intact for its age and the fresh water has preserved it well. When you drop down, the visibility varies – sometimes it’s 10 metres, sometimes less – but the water temperature hovers around a crisp 20°C. You’ll find the hull is covered in a fine layer of algae, giving it a slightly ghostly appearance. Our favourite part is exploring the deck, where fishing gear still lies scattered, and peeking into the wheelhouse. Keep an eye out for the freshwater crabs that scuttle across the metal and the small schools of *mojarra* that dart in and out of the shadows. This is a dive for those who appreciate history, a bit of mystery, and don’t mind a cooler, darker experience. It’s perfect for divers looking for something truly off the beaten path, away from the usual ocean sites.

Location
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America
Coordinates
14.500000, -92.183334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Best Time to Dive in Lake Atitlan

The warmest water temperatures in Lake Atitlan occur in January, averaging 28.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C (air: 17.9°C)
  • February: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
  • March: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • April: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 19.4°C)
  • June: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • July: 28.4°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • August: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • September: 28.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • October: 28.4°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • November: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
  • December: 28.4°C (air: 17.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lake Atitlan

Nearest Dive Centres to DON ADAN

Marine Life in Lake Atitlan

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 other, 1 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for DON ADAN

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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