BP GUAZAR

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) - BP GUAZAR 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 2m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The BP GUAZAR is a wreck that truly tells a story, and we love it for its raw, exposed character. Lying in just 2m of water off Isla de la Plata, it’s less a dive and more a snorkel or free-dive exploration, but don’t let the shallow depth fool you. This isn't some pristine, intact vessel; it’s a skeleton, picked clean by years of waves and weather, with jagged metal ribs reaching for the surface. We find it surprisingly dramatic. You’ll spend your time here exploring the remnants of the hull, watching how the light plays through the gaps and reflects off the sand below. The real magic happens when you spot the marine life that has claimed this wreck. We often see huge schools of grunts and snappers darting between the decaying beams, and the occasional octopus tucked into a shadowy nook. It’s an easy, fascinating spot for snorkelers and freedivers, especially on a calm day when the water is flat and you can really take your time piecing together the ship's past. Our pick for a relaxed afternoon.

Typical BP GUAZAR 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.

Today06:2518:2912h 3m daylightGolden hour 18:01

BP GUAZAR Wreck History

Vessel Type

tanker

Cause

unknown

Very little is known about the history of the BP Guazar, which lies in the waters of Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. The name strongly suggests a connection to the oil company British Petroleum (BP), indicating it was likely a tanker or support vessel. How and when it sank remains a mystery. Lying in just two meters of water, the wreck is heavily broken up by constant wave action and has been deemed a navigational hazard, hence its 'Dangerous' classification.

For divers and snorkelers, the BP Guazar offers a unique and accessible experience. Its extreme shallow depth means it can be explored with minimal equipment and bottom time is virtually unlimited. The wreckage is scattered across the seabed, creating an artificial reef that teems with the vibrant marine life for which Isla de la Plata is famous. While not a classic penetration dive, exploring the skeletal remains of this mysterious vessel amidst schools of tropical fish makes for a memorable and unusual underwater adventure.