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, 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
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.
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
Karibik Diving
Almacén Stella
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)
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