JUAN BAUTISTA - Isla de la Plata

The Juan Bautista wreck isn't about deep dives or big pelagics, it’s about history you can touch and a shallow, vibrant ecosystem. We love that it’s essentially an accessible museum, right at the surface. This tanker, sunk after an engine room fire in '76, now lies broken but remarkably intact in parts, making it perfect for an extended snorkel or a very relaxed dive. What you get here is a close-up encounter with metal-turned-reef. Schools of iridescent cardinalfish dart through the skeletal superstructure, and the stern, especially, is a tangle of soft corals and anemones. Look closely in the shadowed crevices for moray eels and the occasional scorpionfish blending in perfectly. Our favourite part is spotting the octopus, often tucked right into the engine room, its camouflage near-flawless. Being so shallow, usually 4m, you can spend ages just soaking it all in. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best light penetration and calmer conditions. It’s a gentle site, ideal for newer divers or anyone wanting to slow down and really observe the smaller inhabitants that have claimed this old ship.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.212361, -80.911530
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

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 JUAN BAUTISTA

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 JUAN BAUTISTA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) shipwreck dive site?
The Juan Bautista shipwreck dive site, located off Isla de la Plata, has a maximum depth of 4 meters. This relatively shallow depth allows for excellent natural light penetration and extended bottom times, perfect for exploring this historic wreck.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) wreck?
At the Juan Bautista wreck, divers can explore the remains of a 64.5m x 9.2m tanker vessel that sank following a fire in 1976. The site is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure, providing an interesting structure to navigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various local fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) shipwreck, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving the Juan Bautista shipwreck is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 4 meters makes it accessible, the nature of wreck diving requires some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers who have completed their advanced open water training or have prior wreck diving experience, rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Juan Bautista wreck for optimal conditions. For the most current information on seasonal recommendations and local conditions, we advise checking with local dive operators in Isla de la Plata or consulting our When to Dive section for general guidance on the region.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) shipwreck?
Due to its intermediate difficulty rating, diving the Juan Bautista shipwreck typically requires or recommends divers to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore a wreck environment. Always check with your chosen dive operator in Isla de la Plata for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Juan Bautista (C-56 Juan Escutia) dive site?
The available data for the Juan Bautista dive site does not specify typical current or visibility conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on these factors, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in Isla de la Plata. They can provide real-time reports to help you plan your dive.