15-30m
    Malpelo Island, Colombia
    Jhonny Cay Regional Park

    Barco Hundido

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    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.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda and Pufferfish · 71+ species recorded
    Water28-30°C · warmest September, October, November
    CharacterWreck dive · max 15-30m

    Barco Hundido, the "Sunken Ship," isn't a gentle introduction to Malpelo. We consider it one of the most intriguing wrecks in the area, not for its intact structure, but for its history and the life it now supports. This isn't a deep penetration wreck, rather a collection of scattered parts, ribs, and plates that have settled over decades. What makes it special, for us, is how the ocean has reclaimed it. You'll find massive schools of fish swirling through the debris field, particularly jacks and trevally, their silver scales flashing as they navigate the currents. Nurse sharks often rest tucked into the larger sections, and we've spotted hammerheads cruising by the deeper edges of the site, seeming to use the wreck as a waypoint. It's a site that rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the subtle movements in the metalwork. The currents here can be robust, typical for Malpelo, so strong finning skills are a real asset. We often find the best time to explore the main body of the wreck is during the slack tide, allowing for a more relaxed search for macro life that has colonised the smaller crevices. It's a site that truly embodies the wild, untamed nature of Malpelo's underwater world, perfect for experienced divers who appreciate history and the raw power of marine ecosystems.

    Typical Barco Hundido Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m15m max~50 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.

    Today06:1718:1211h 55m daylightGolden hour 17:44

    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.

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    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)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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)

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