Barco Hundido - Malpelo Island

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.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.548822, -81.738620
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Barco Hundido

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.

Marine Protected Area: Jhonny Cay Regional Park

Best Time to Dive in Malpelo Island

The warmest water temperatures in Malpelo Island occur in October, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.0°C
  • March: 28.3°C
  • April: 29.0°C
  • May: 29.7°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.9°C
  • October: 30.2°C
  • November: 29.4°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Malpelo Island

Nearest Dive Centres to Barco Hundido

Marine Life in Malpelo Island

Home to 72 recorded species including 68 reef fish, 2 other, 1 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barco Hundido

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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