BP GUAZAR - Isla de la Plata

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.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.220000, -80.911670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BP GUAZAR

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.

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 BP GUAZAR

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 BP GUAZAR

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