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A scuba diver examines a shipwreck surrounded by marine life in the Caribbean sea, showcasing vibrant underwater exploration.
📷 Pascal Ingelrest · Pexels

Barco Hundido

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.3 12 species 37 contributors

Barco Hundido is a wreck dive in Panama offering year-round access and diverse marine encounters. Located outside marine protected areas.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
WreckBleachingRiskYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Barco Hundido location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
7.4 kn
Wave
0.54 m
Water
29.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (26%)
Now: NNW (330°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.4m

Today: High 06:00 (+0.13m), Low 01:00 (+0m)

+0.4 m0 m+0.0 m
▼ 01:00 · +0m ▲ 06:00 · +0.13m ▼ 10:00 · +0.08m ▲ 18:00 · +0.36m Now +0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV9.15 · very high Air PM2.54 · good 06:18 18:27
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 10.6 0.62 9 7mm
09-19 11.3 0.52 9 2mm
09-20 6.2 0.48 9 8mm
09-21 4.8 0.42 7 7mm
09-22 3.2 0.3 9 5mm
09-23 5 0.2 8 7mm
09-24 3.2 0.22 8 7mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 0.5°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Barco Hundido is a wreck site dive in Panama that draws divers seeking structure and the marine life it attracts. The site remains accessible throughout the year, making it a reliable option for planning trips. The wreck provides shelter and feeding grounds for various fish species and invertebrates, creating a dynamic underwater environment. The dive site is situated outside a marine protected area, which means fishing pressure and other human activity may differ from protected zones. This can affect marine populations and behavior. Local species observations have been documented in the area, with 12 recorded sightings available to review before your dive. Community-uploaded videos also provide insight into what you'll encounter underwater. Coral communities in the region are being monitored for bleaching stress, a sign worth checking before booking. Water conditions and marine life abundance can shift seasonally even in year-round destinations, so consulting recent trip reports and local dive operators will help you plan the best visit. The wreck itself offers navigation and exploration opportunities typical of Panama's underwater heritage sites.

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

Wreck

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8628km · ~1984kg · €36

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Barco Hundido?

Barco Hundido is diveable year-round. However, regional weather and sea conditions vary by season. Check local conditions and recent trip reports before booking, as water visibility and surface conditions may shift.

What depth and difficulty should I expect?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings for this wreck are not documented in available data. Contact local Panama dive operators for accurate information on maximum depths, current strength, and technical requirements before your dive.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species observations are documented for Barco Hundido, reflecting the wreck's role as habitat and feeding ground. Common wreck residents include groupers, snappers, eels, and invertebrates. Community videos provide visual reference of actual sightings.

Do I need permits or certifications to dive here?

Barco Hundido is outside a marine protected area. Check with local Panama dive operators about any local requirements, minimum certification levels, and safety protocols before diving.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Dog Island in San Blas Panama Snorkeling Around Sunken Ship with Squid

DIY Travel HQ

Diving Panama - Barco Hundido, Bocas del Toro - Jellyfish

Marta Fraga

San Blas panama barco hundido

Fauna Marina Panama

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