PAOLA A. - Isla de la Plata

The *Paola A.* is a proper old tanker, sitting upright, split into three main sections after an explosion back in '85. We love how shallow it is, maxing out at seven meters, which means plenty of bottom time and lots of light penetration, even on an overcast day. You can spend a whole dive just circling the stern, watching schools of sergeant majors flutter around the superstructure. Look for the engine room; it's a bit of a squeeze but worth it to see the machinery still mostly intact. Our favourite detail has to be the huge propeller, completely encrusted now, serving as an apartment block for blennies and gobies. This isn't a wreck for penetration, given its "dangerous wreck" classification, but there are plenty of swim-throughs and broken sections to explore from the outside. The bow section is particularly good for finding frogfish if you've got a keen eye, and we've spotted eagle rays cruising over the sand nearby. It's an excellent site for photographers, especially macro, and brilliant for newer wreck divers wanting to get a feel for a substantial wreck without the depth or current challenges often associated with them. The visibility here can be hit or miss depending on the plankton blooms, but even in average vis, the sheer size of the wreck keeps it interesting.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.203333, -79.878334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Isla Santay

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 PAOLA A.

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 PAOLA A.

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