Ambar Wreck
Also known as: M/V Ambar · Ambar · MV Ambar · Wreck
Dive siteFrom Puerto Rico Dive Sites, the sourced field guide
Ambar Wreck
| Region | Aguadilla & Northwest |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Aguadilla |
| Access | Boat dive |
| Site type | Wreck |
| Depth (reported range) | to 160 ft (49 m)Single source (current tier 1–2) |
| Hazards | Current, Entanglement, Depth |
| Location | Approximate area shown on the map (within about 300 m).Location evidence: Single published source[1] |
| Confidence | Moderate confidence |
| Last researched | 2026-10-17 |
Overview
Heads up: this is a deep decompression dive for expert divers only. A local operator requires training and equipment for decompression stops, and a 2016 account describes about 40 minutes of deco after 45 minutes on the bottom. The Ambar, a 165-ft British motor vessel, sank off Aguadilla in April 1991 and sits upright, with the deck at about 136 ft and the bottom near 150 to 160 ft. Currents run light to moderate per the operator, though the 2016 author says they can be extremely strong, and the interior is full of hanging wires and cables. Barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and schools of snappers and jacks are reported.[1][2]
Heads up: Current · Entanglement · Depth. See safety notes
Site characteristics
Habitat & marine life
- nurse shark[2]
- sea turtle[2]
- schools of snappers and jacks, blue tangs, barracuda[2]
- barracuda at the top of the wreck (about 130 ft)[1]
Marine life is what sources report having seen or commonly seeing — not a guarantee.
Access
Experience & conditions
- PSAI (Professional Scuba Association International): “dived by a team with wreck and decompression training (open and closed circuit)”[2]
- Aquatica Underwater Adventures: “operator: expert divers only, with training and equipment for decompression stops”[1]
Attributed descriptions from sources, not our rating. Conditions vary; your training, experience and the day’s conditions decide.
Wreck information
Recent diver reports
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First-hand reports from divers, reviewed before they appear. Conditions change daily; a report describes one day.
Safety considerations
- Current — author: current can be extremely strong[2]
- Entanglement — interior full of hanging wires and cables; not an easy penetration[2]
- Depth — decompression dive (about 40 min of deco after 45 min bottom time)[2]
- Current — light to moderate currents[1]
What to know
- Strong current possible. Don't fight it, stay with your buddy, use the ascent line and carry a surface marker buoy. More →
- Entanglement risk: fishing line can be nearly invisible. Keep your gear secure and streamlined. More →
- Deep dive: narcosis can cloud your judgment. End the dive if symptoms show up. More →
Ocean conditions change daily. Dive within your training, plan with current local information and consider a local professional guide. Water safety guide.
Depth reports by source
| Reported | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 136–150 ft (41–46 m) | PSAI (Professional Scuba Association International)[2] | Current source |
| to 160 ft (49 m) | Aquatica Underwater Adventures[1] | Current source |
See also
Straight-line distance only — not travel time, and not necessarily reached from the same departure point.
- Shacks — 3.0 mi
- El Natural — 3.7 mi
- Crash Boat — 4.0 mi
- Crash Boat Anchor and Wall — 4.0 mi
- Muelle de Azúcar — 4.7 mi
- Rompeolas / Muelle Viejo — 6.3 mi
Sources & verification
Last researched: 2026-10-17 · Last independently verified: not yet field-verified · Confidence: Moderate confidence
- 1.Puerto Rico Dive Sites (interactive map) — Aquatica Underwater Adventures · Dive operator · Tier 2: Specialist · accessed 2026-10-17
- 2.Finding M/V Ambar — PSAI (Professional Scuba Association International) (2016-11-06) · Dive organization · Tier 3: Corroborating · accessed 2026-10-11
Facts are summarised in our own words from the sources above; we do not reproduce operators’ or publishers’ descriptions. How confidence is assigned.