CHIMBOTE (POSSIBLY) - Lima & Palomino Islands

Chimbote, off the Palomino Islands, is an intriguing dive, particularly because it’s a landing craft. Most wrecks around here are fishing vessels, so this one offers something a bit different. She sits upright in about 10 metres of water, her hull still largely intact. We love how accessible it is; even newer divers can explore the deck and the surprisingly open cargo hold without feeling overwhelmed. Inside, you’ll find a bustling ecosystem of crabs scuttling across the bulkheads and the occasional octopus peeking from a dark corner. Schools of hake often swirl above the superstructure, creating a beautiful, silvery canopy. Our favourite is exploring the bow ramp, which lies slightly open, offering a dramatic entry point into the hold itself. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the natural light filtering through the open deck sections is quite something. We’d suggest going in the late morning when the sun is high for the best light penetration. It’s a super relaxed dive, perfect for a long bottom time just soaking it all in.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.071834, -77.199840
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 CHIMBOTE (POSSIBLY)

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 CHIMBOTE (POSSIBLY)

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