Barco Hundido - Malpelo Island

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.

Location
Malpelo Island, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
12.536792, -81.735460
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