PRINCE ARAC - Isla de la Plata

The Prince Arac, an old tanker, went down in '86 after a tank explosion. It’s a shallow wreck, sitting at just nine metres off Isla de la Plata, which means plenty of bottom time and great light penetration. We love how accessible it is; even newer divers can poke around without feeling overwhelmed. You can still make out the superstructure, and the sheer scale of an 86-metre ship in such shallow water is always impressive. The wreck itself is a magnet for the local reef fish, particularly the grunts and snappers that school thick around the fallen metal. Look closely at the hull and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling over the encrusting corals. Our favourite part has to be the feeling of the sunbeams cutting through the water, dappling the deck. It's not a site for big pelagics, but for a relaxed dive exploring a piece of history that’s become an artificial reef, it's pretty special. We’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, when the visibility tends to be at its best.

Location
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-2.966667, -79.987170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Manglares El Morro

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 PRINCE ARAC

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 PRINCE ARAC

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

What is the maximum depth for diving at the PRINCE ARAC dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the PRINCE ARAC dive site is 9 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for various dive levels, though the site's overall difficulty is classified as intermediate.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at PRINCE ARAC?
Divers at PRINCE ARAC can expect to explore a significant underwater feature - a tanker vessel wreck. This large wreck, measuring 86.7m x 12.5m, was sunk on November 10, 1986, following an explosion. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the PRINCE ARAC dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The PRINCE ARAC dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers who may lack the experience required for wreck diving or the specific conditions of the site. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for intermediate-level dives.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at PRINCE ARAC for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive at PRINCE ARAC for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in Ecuador, you may consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the PRINCE ARAC site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the intermediate difficulty of the PRINCE ARAC dive site, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at PRINCE ARAC?
The provided data does not include information on the typical current and water conditions at the PRINCE ARAC dive site. For up-to-date details on local conditions, it is best to consult with local dive centers or guides in Isla de la Plata.