Dive-site story
Situated on the sheltered eastern side of Isla de la Plata within Machalilla National Park, Bahia Drake offers calm waters over a gently sloping seabed composed of rocky boulders, patch corals, and sandy channels. The bay is celebrated for oceanic megafauna encounters during the austral winter, serving as a primary staging point for dive boats exploring the island. Because of its protected orientation, conditions here remain calmer than the island's exposed western headlands.
Cleaning stations frequented by giant oceanic manta rays during the austral winter
Sheltered anchorage with rocky reefs harboring diverse macro life and Pacific reef fish
Regular sightings of green sea turtles grazing along shallow rock shelves
Humpback whale vocalizations often audible underwater during their annual migration
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Corincides with the arrival of giant oceanic mantas and migrating humpback whales, although water temperatures drop during these months.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostris | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Panamic Green MorayGymnothorax castaneus | Common | ||||||||||||
| King AngelfishHolacanthus passer | Common | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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