Municipal planning document describing the islet location, coral patch depths, and south-side wave exposure.
Islote Horno de Pan is a rocky Machalilla reef stop.
Islote Horno de Pan is a rocky Machalilla reef stop.
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Boat access is handled through local operators from Puerto Cayo or Puerto Lopez.
Islote Horno de Pan is a compact Machalilla islet dive with stone walls, fan coral, and a short boat approach from the Puerto Cayo / Puerto Lopez side. It suits relaxed reef dives and snorkel outings inside a protected marine park, with straightforward logistics and a lively coastal ecosystem. The irregular rocky bottom adds texture, and the more exposed south face makes calm-day timing the smartest way to plan the outing.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
4.5m - 21m
Depth Note
Coral patches are reported around 4.5-9m, 6-21m, and 12-21m depending on the irregular bottom.
Typical Conditions
Mixed rock and sand with coral patches, clear water, and more active wave energy on the south face.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use a local operator, follow park rules, and treat the south-side wave exposure as the main edge-condition concern.
Access Restrictions
Boat access is handled through local operators from Puerto Cayo or Puerto Lopez, and park visitation rules apply.
Legal Notes
The islet sits inside Machalilla National Park and is managed as a protected visit site.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Guided reef dives work well on the rocky walls and coral patches, especially when you want an easy coastal boat outing.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is listed for the park site and fits calm-day conditions.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Municipal planning document describing the islet location, coral patch depths, and south-side wave exposure.
Independent guide describing Horno de Pan as a stone-walled reef with abundant soft coral and boat tours from Machalilla.
Directory/community page with boat access from Puerto Cayo, protected-area rules, no on-site facilities, and a reef-life summary.
Dive-center page listing Horno de Pan among frequent Machalilla dive sites and supporting beginner discovery dives nearby.
Operator tour page with a Puerto Lopez departure, a short boat run to Horno de Pan, and snorkel/kayak use.
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