ECUADOR
Protected Area
Portobelo
Why dive here
With 175+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - ECUADOR offers some of Bocas del Toro's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, October.
Ecuador, off Isla Colón, is one of those dive sites that just keeps giving, even at its shallow depth. We love it because it’s a proper wreck dive – a 30-meter motor vessel – but without the usual associated challenges. This isn't just a pile of metal; the ship sits upright and largely intact, giving it a real presence. You can follow the length of the hull, spotting the propeller and rudder, then poke around the bridge area. What makes it special for us is how marine life has absolutely taken over. Schools of glassy sweepers shimmer inside the darker sections, and we often find nurse sharks resting under ledges. Look closely at the deck plating and you’ll find yellowline arrow crabs picking their way through the sponges. It’s perfect for divers who want to immerse themselves in a wreck without the pressure of deep profiles or strong currents. We always feel a sense of discovery here, like we're exploring a lost world in miniature. Go slow and really soak it in; there’s always something new to spot.
Typical ECUADOR 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ECUADOR
Dive shops near ECUADOR
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ECUADOR
ECUADOR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ECUADOR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (9.35, -82.2) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
31°C
87°F · Range: 29.9–32.1°C
Current Speed
6 cm/s
Direction: E (90°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.326 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
30.24 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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