

Best for beginner divers, 5-15m, boat entry, mild current.
Palo Santo Reef is located on the eastern side of Isla de la Plata, named for the fragrant trees found on the cliffs above. This reef site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 15 metres and mild currents. Access is by boat only, situated 40 kilometres from the shore. Divers and snorkellers frequently encounter King Angelfish, wrasses, triggerfish, Razor Surgeonfish, Guineafowl Puffer, Barberfish, and Panamic Sergeant Major. Less common sightings include South American Sea Lions, Moorish Idols, Threebanded Butterflyfish, Rock Cod, whiptail stingrays, groupers, and sea chubs. The site serves as a secondary location when conditions at other nearby reefs are rough.
-1.27250, -81.05880
The island is a cleaning station for oceanic manta rays, which are best viewed from June to September.
Boat departure from Puerto Lopez, approximately one hour travel time.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-15m
Visibility
3-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
23-25°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
You can expect to see King Angelfish, wrasses, triggerfish, Razor Surgeonfish, Guineafowl Puffer, Barberfish, and Panamic Sergeant Major. Less frequently, divers may encounter South American Sea Lions, Moorish Idols, Threebanded Butterflyfish, Rock Cod, whiptail stingrays, groupers, and sea chubs.
Yes, Palo Santo Reef is suitable for beginners, featuring mild currents and depths between 5 and 15 metres.
The depth at Palo Santo Reef ranges from 5 to 15 metres.
This is a boat-only site, located 40 kilometres from the shore.
Yes, this site is well-suited for snorkelling and holds a rating of 4 out of 5.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Palo Santo Reef (Isla de la Plata) in Pacific Coast. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 25°C.
The best months to visit Palo Santo Reef (Isla de la Plata) in Pacific Coast are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Palo Santo Reef (Isla de la Plata) in Pacific Coast typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Palo Santo Reef (Isla de la Plata) in Pacific Coast typically ranges from 3 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.