wreck

Log This Dive

DARWIN

Darwin, a wreck sitting in just seven metres of water off Isla de la Plata, is one of our favourite shallow dives in Ecuador. It’s not about grand coral formations here, but the sheer life that’s colonised this old motor vessel. We love dropping onto the deck and seeing schools of grunts and snappers hanging thick over the remains of the superstructure. What makes Darwin so good is how accessible it is. You can spend a whole hour just finning slowly around the engine room, peering into the shadowy spaces where lobsters tuck themselves away. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, often some vibrant colours, inching along the metal. We’ve seen octopuses here too, flattening themselves against the hull, perfectly camouflaged. It’s a site for divers who enjoy taking their time, exploring the nooks and crannies of a historical vessel that’s now a thriving artificial reef. Great for photographers, too, given the good light penetration and the way the fish gather.