AMORUSO SECONDO - Lima & Palomino Islands

The Amoruso Secondo isn't deep, but don't let that fool you. This 43-meter fishing trawler, run aground and burned in 1969, sits in just 5 meters of water. It’s perfect for a long, relaxed exploration, especially for those who enjoy poking around rusty metal without worrying about narcosis. We love how the shallow depth means fantastic natural light, making the colours of the encrusting life really pop. The wreck itself is well broken up, but you can still make out the bow and stern sections, with ribs and plating scattered across the sandy bottom. Expect to see plenty of comber fish darting through the wreckage, and if you look closely, you'll spot several kinds of crabs scuttling amongst the growth. The main draw for us, though, is the sheer number of sea lions that often hang around the area. They're curious, playful, and completely unbothered by divers, often zipping past close enough to hear them bark. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just after the first tourist boats have cleared out, leaving us with the wreck and its resident pinnipeds in relative peace. It's a proper adventure for divers who appreciate history and wildlife in equal measure.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.033500, -77.155945
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - AMORUSO SECONDO

Year Sunk
1969
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
fire

The final day for the fishing vessel AMORUSO SECONDO was a dramatic one. On October 12, 1969, a fire broke out on board the 44-meter ship. With the blaze raging and out of control, the vessel was lost and ran aground near the famous Palomino Islands off the coast of Lima. It was declared a total loss, its fishing career ending in flames and wreckage against the rocky shore, where its remains have rested ever since.

Resting in a mere 5 meters of water, the AMORUSO SECONDO is less of a deep wreck dive and more of an underwater landmark, easily accessible to divers of all levels and even snorkelers. Its shallow grave means the wreck is bathed in bright sunlight, making for a fantastic photographic subject. The wreckage is broken up but its origins as a fishing vessel are still apparent. The true highlight of this site, however, is the incredible marine life. The Palomino Islands are famous for their massive colony of sea lions, and these curious, playful animals often interact with divers exploring the wreck, creating an unforgettable and joyous underwater encounter.

Marine Protected Area: Ancón

Best Time to Dive in Lima & Palomino Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lima & Palomino Islands occur in January, averaging 22.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.5°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • February: 22.5°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 22.5°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • April: 22.5°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • May: 22.5°C (air: 17.7°C)
  • June: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • July: 22.5°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • August: 22.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 22.5°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • October: 22.5°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • November: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • December: 22.5°C (air: 18.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lima & Palomino Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to AMORUSO SECONDO

Marine Life in Lima & Palomino Islands

Home to 40 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AMORUSO SECONDO

Based on average water temperature of 22.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • 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