AZOREANA

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Puntilla de Santa Elena

Why dive here

With 145+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - AZOREANA offers some of Isla de la Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 25-27°C, warmest February, March, May.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Manta Rays and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 145+ species recorded

Water25-27°C · warmest February, March, May

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Azoreana wreck at Isla de la Plata is something else, especially if you’re a diver who loves a good story. It’s a fishing vessel, not some grand ocean liner, and it sits in a ridiculously shallow 4 metres of water. We love that it’s right there, practically begging to be explored, and you can spend a solid chunk of a dive just poking around its remains. What you'll find here is a tangled mess of metal, masts, and rigging, all draped in a thick carpet of life. The shallow depth means sunlight penetrates everywhere, illuminating schools of snapper that dart in and out of the hull, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from every crevice. Our favourite detail is the way the light filters through the structure, making the whole site feel a bit eerie, a bit magical. It's an ideal spot for those who enjoy taking their time, photographers will have a field day with the ambient light, and it’s perfectly suited for extended bottom times without worrying about deco limits. Just watch for surge on choppier days, it can really move you around in such shallow water.

Typical AZOREANA 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.

Today06:2618:2912h 3m daylightGolden hour 18:01

AZOREANA Wreck History

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

Little is known about the history of the fishing vessel Azoreana or the circumstances of her sinking off Isla de la Plata. What is certain is her final resting place: at an extremely shallow depth of just 4 meters, she is classified as a dangerous wreck, primarily as a hazard to navigation. For divers and snorkelers, this makes for an incredibly accessible site. Due to its shallow depth, the wreck is likely very broken up by wave action, but the scattered remains provide shelter for a host of reef fish and invertebrates. It offers a perfect opportunity for a relaxed second dive, underwater photography, or for trainee divers to experience their first wreck in calm, clear conditions.