PACOCHA - Lima & Palomino Islands

Pacocha is a proper deep dive, sitting at 40 metres, so it’s one for the experienced wreck heads. This isn't your typical colourful reef; it's a piece of history. The Peruvian submarine, sunk in 1988 after a collision, rests upright, making for a dramatic silhouette as you descend into the green gloom. We love the eerie calm down there, the way the light struggles to reach the stern where she was struck. You’ll find a surprising amount of life has made Pacocha home. We’ve seen octopuses wedged in tight spaces and schools of hake darting through the superstructure. Our favourite is exploring the conning tower, feeling the cold metal under our fingertips. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for Lima, so pick a day with calm seas. A strong torch is essential – you'll want to peer into every open hatch and appreciate the sheer scale of the vessel. It’s a somber, impressive dive that offers a real sense of adventure.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.033222, -77.214554
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

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 PACOCHA

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 PACOCHA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the B.A.P. Pacocha submarine wreck?
The B.A.P. Pacocha submarine wreck is located at a maximum depth of 40 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations. You can find more details about this site on its dedicated Pacocha dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Pacocha wreck site?
The primary underwater feature at the Pacocha wreck site is the impressive 93.9m x 8.2m submarine vessel itself, which sank in 1988. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract various species seeking shelter and food. Divers can typically expect to see a range of local fish and invertebrates making the wreck their home. For general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the dive to the Pacocha wreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The dive to the Pacocha wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for deeper wreck dives to safely explore this site.
What are the best times of year to dive the Pacocha wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best times of year for optimal diving conditions at the Pacocha wreck is not available in the current data. We recommend checking local dive operators for up-to-date seasonal conditions. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Pacocha submarine wreck?
Given the Pacocha wreck's maximum depth of 40 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary training for deeper dives and wreck exploration. Always ensure your scuba equipment is suitable for such dives.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Pacocha wreck dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Pacocha wreck dive site are not provided in the available data. It is always advisable to consult with local dive centers or guides in the Lima & Palomino Islands area for the most current conditions before planning your dive.