AZOREANA - Isla de la Plata

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.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.202222, -80.971530
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - AZOREANA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Puntilla de Santa Elena

Best Time to Dive in Isla de la Plata

The warmest water temperatures in Isla de la Plata occur in February, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C
  • February: 27.3°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 26.4°C
  • May: 26.7°C
  • June: 26.4°C
  • July: 25.3°C
  • August: 24.8°C
  • September: 24.8°C
  • October: 25.3°C
  • November: 25.1°C
  • December: 25.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Isla de la Plata

Nearest Dive Centres to AZOREANA

Marine Life in Isla de la Plata

Home to 148 recorded species including 124 reef fish, 8 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 5 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AZOREANA

Based on average water temperature of 25.9°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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