Barco Hundido
Protected Area
Jhonny Cay Regional Park
Why dive here
With 71+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda and pufferfish - Barco Hundido offers some of Malpelo Island's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
Barco Hundido, or “Sunken Boat” as it translates, is a personal favourite when we’re at Malpelo. This isn't some deep, intact wreck with cabins to explore; think more like a scattering of metal ribs and plates, spread across the shallow reef. It’s what lives *on* and *around* the wreck that makes it special. We’ve finned past huge schools of Blue Doctor surgeonfish here, so thick the water shimmered with their movement, and often seen flounder camouflaged perfectly against the sand near the old hull sections. The shallower depth means you get great light filtering down, illuminating the incredible growth. Roughhead Triplefins dart amongst the rust, and you’ll spot Branched Finger Coral and Honeycomb Plate Coral clinging to every available surface. Our tip: take your time. Don't just swim over it. Get low, peer into the nooks, and you might just spot a shy Dwarf Wrasse or a camouflaged Rockfish. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the intricate tapestry of life on this humble wreck.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Barco Hundido Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
The 'Barco Hundido' or 'Sunken Ship' near Malpelo Island is a wreck whose specific identity and history remain a mystery. However, its anonymity does little to detract from the world-class diving experience it offers. The wreck itself is not the primary attraction; rather, it serves as a fascinating landmark in one of the planet's most spectacular marine environments. Malpelo is a remote, rocky outpost in the Pacific, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its staggering aggregations of large pelagic species.
Diving here is an exercise in keeping your head on a swivel. While exploring the wreck's structure, which provides a home for moray eels and smaller reef fish, the real action is often in the blue. This is the domain of sharks. Divers can witness awe-inspiring, near-mythical schools of scalloped hammerheads numbering in the hundreds, along with silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, and the occasional whale shark passing by. The wreck provides a wonderful reference point and foreground for photographers aiming to capture the thrilling big-animal action that defines Malpelo.
Nearest Dive Centres to Barco Hundido
Dive shops near Barco Hundido
Scuba San Andres
San Andres Divers
Blue Life Dive
Almacén Stella
Karibik Diving
Reviews for Barco Hundido
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 (12.4, -81.47) (108km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 29.3–31.3°C
Current Speed
13.42 cm/s
Direction: NE (63.4°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.094 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
34.38 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Malpelo Island, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Malpelo IslandPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Malpelo Island.
Search stays in Malpelo IslandDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner 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.