Diving Sites

Russian Trawler

...lies a decades old and decades sunk Russian Fishing Trawler which has since become a habitat and haven for numerous varieties andnumerous amounts of fish.

Sitting on the sandy bottom mid-way between the beach and the rocky outcroppings of Las Palomas, lies a decades old and decades sunk Russian Fishing Trawler which has since become a habitat and haven for numerous varieties and numerous amounts of fish.

  With a length of about 80 ft (24 m) the sunken ship hints at the circumstances of its demise with two large holes in the port-side hull; evidence suggests that it struck the smaller rocky peak of Las Palomas while the tide was high and attempted to make it as close to shore as possible before being swallowed up from below.

It now sits pointing North and lazing steadily on its port, the sand slowly making its way on to the deck at about 50 ft (15 m).  Debris still litters the area, and undeterminably corroded pieces of old steel can be found up to 40 ft away.  On deck, several hatches offer small glimpses inside the vessel, and what remains of the bridge has now become an aquarium-esque cavalcade of schooling fish.  Following up to the highest point of the ship (30 ft, 9 m) are the soft-coral covered remains of the radar tower.

For Scuba Divers this has become one of the best locations just outside of San Juan Del Sur.  Catching the side of the boat with an anchor, divers can descend down the line and begin to see multiple reef fishes at only fifteen feet.  As they descend further, the shape of the ship comes into view, and the extent to which this wrecked ship has become an artificial reef becomes immediately evident.  Teeming with schools of Panamanian Sergeants, and different species of Snapper, don’t be surprised to see a few Panamic Porkfish littered into the bunch as well.  Large Bumphead Parrotfish also travel in groups through the ruins, and Threebanded Butterflyfish play games in the small obstacles protruding from all points of the ship.  Pairs of Cortez Angelfish also make their homes here, and can often be seen alongside Bigscale Soldierfish in the numerous holes and doorways which are found all over.  Stingrays can be seen in the sands surrounding as well as catfish, Scorpionfish, and porcupine fish who innocently wander in search for something; maybe one day someone will figure out what.  For the intrepid, adventurous, and certified or soon-to-be, this site also offers a great PADI Wreck experience, where small penetration and shipwreck navigations can be made in order to develop diving skill and confidence.

With the wide variety of life and the excitement of exploring a wreck in the Pacific waters of Southern Nicaragua, this site is a must-see that always has something new to offer and explore.

• Round stingray
• Herring
• Bigscale Soldierfish
• Spotted Scorpionfish
• Groupers
• Panamic Porkfish