20m
    Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
    Playas de Villamil

    MARGARITA

    Best months: Jan–May

    Protected Area

    Playas de Villamil

    Why dive here

    With 145+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - MARGARITA offers some of Isla de la Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 25-28°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeJan–May
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Manta Rays and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 145+ species recorded
    Water25-28°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterWreck dive · max 20m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Margarita wreck, a fishing vessel that went down in '86, rests upright at 20 meters off Isla de la Plata. We love how it's become a proper artificial reef, not just a hunk of metal. You’ll feel the slight sway of the current as you descend, the water often a bit greener here, rich with nutrients. What you get is a solid, intact wreck, still holding its shape well. We always head straight for the wheelhouse; it’s the most interesting part, surprisingly open to exploration. You can fin right inside, imagining the crew on watch, though we wouldn't recommend penetrating much further given the age. Look for the schools of grunts and snappers that hover around the superstructure, shimmering like a silver curtain. Batfish patrol the deck, their curious eyes watching you drift past. It’s a great spot for macro too, with nudibranchs often found clinging to the rust-coloured metal and colourful anemones swaying in the gentle surge. This site is perfect for advanced open water divers looking for a straightforward wreck dive that delivers on marine life and historical character, without the complexities of deeper or more exposed sites.

    Typical MARGARITA Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:0518:1412h 9m daylightGolden hour 17:47

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARGARITA

    MARGARITA Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MARGARITA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-1.94, -80.79) (26km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    25°C

    76°F · Range: 23.5–25.9°C

    Current Speed

    2.24 cm/s

    Direction: NE (63.4°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.733 mg/m³

    Moderate productivity

    Salinity

    33.26 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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