BLACK SAND I - Isla de la Plata

Black Sand I isn't a colourful reef, but we love it for its moody, almost eerie charm. This is a wreck dive, pure and simple, and it delivers. We’re talking about a bulk carrier, built in the US back in ‘71, now resting easy at 11 metres. It sat at anchor for two years before finally going down, making it more of a gentle sinking than a dramatic end. You’ll find its masts still reaching up, skeletal fingers breaking the surface on calm days. Below, the hull is a dark silhouette against the sand, and it’s surprisingly intact, considering its age. The real magic happens inside, or rather, on what’s left of the structure. The nooks and crannies are packed with life: schools of grunts drift through the cargo holds, and often, we’ve spotted giant hawkfish perched on beams, watching us pass. Look closely at the metal plates and you’ll see delicate nudibranchs, tiny pops of colour against the dark steel. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots with an atmospheric feel. This site suits divers who appreciate history and don't need a riot of colour to be captivated.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.186667, -80.892220
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - BLACK SAND I

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Built in 1971 by Albina Engineering & Machinery Works in Portland, Oregon, the "Black Sand I" was a bulk carrier that ended its career in the Pacific waters of Ecuador. Prior to its sinking, the vessel had been laid up at anchor for two years near Isla de la Plata. The exact cause of its loss is not well-documented, but it's likely that after years of inactivity, the ship succumbed to neglect, weather, or slow decay, eventually slipping beneath the waves.

Resting at an accessible depth of 11 meters, the Black Sand I has become a fantastic artificial reef. Located off Isla de la Plata, an area renowned for its rich biodiversity and often called the "Poor Man's Galapagos," the wreck attracts an impressive array of marine life. Divers can explore the ship's structure, now colonized by corals and home to large schools of fish, rays, and sea turtles. Its shallow depth and the vibrant ecosystem make it a rewarding dive for all certification levels.

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 BLACK SAND I

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 BLACK SAND I

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