Dive-site story
Located off the coast of Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park, El Acuario is a sheltered rocky reef dive known for its dense fish aggregations. Divers navigate boulder-strewn slopes and patches of hard coral alongside green sea turtles, while giant mantas occasionally cruise through open water during the cooler months.
Reliable encounters with green sea turtles grazing along shallow ledges
Dense schools of Pacific reef fish orbiting volcanic boulders and coral patches
Seasonal giant manta ray sightings in the surrounding channel
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Humpback whale migrations and oceanic manta visits coincide during the southern hemisphere winter, despite cooler water.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King AngelfishHolacanthus passer | Common | ||||||||||||
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostris | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Cortez Rainbow WrasseThalassoma lucasanum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Panamic Green MorayGymnothorax castaneus | Common |
Marine forecast
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