6 Shipwrecks to dive in Cancun and Isla Mujeres
Scuba diving in Cancun is more than the MUSA underwater museum or Manchones reef.
In total, there are 6 shipwreck dive sites in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. While the names and history of the ships are very similar, and frankly, can be confusing, we want to share some light at sunken vessels.
When conducting online research, local dive centers often describe the dive sites simply as wreck dives, or combine numbers. This is also due to their correlation. For example, the C-55 and C-58 shipwrecks are usually offered interchangeably by dive centers, and depending on the weather conditions, you have the opportunity to dive either of the two former gunboats.
Without further-a-do, let’s look at Cancun’s famous shipwrecks for scuba diving.
C-55 shipwreck in Cancun
In 2000, the C-55 USS SCUFFLES (AM 283) gunboat, which was later renamed ARM Teniente Juan de la Barrera C-55, was intentionally sunk in Cancun to provide divers with a unique and thrilling experience.
It was originally built in San Francisco in 1943 for the US Navy.
Side note, speaking of San Francisco – ever wondered if there are really sharks in the San Francisco Bay?
During World War 2 the – then-called – USS Ransom (AM 283) was used as a minesweeper in the South Pacific and Japan. The ship stayed in service until 1955 and was sold to the Mexican Navy in 1962. It was used on and off until its retirement.
In 2000 the C-55 Navy ship was sunk to create an artificial reef in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cancun.
Dive plan for the C-55 shipwreck
Now the Juan de la Barrera C-55 shipwreck is a famous dive site at 82 feet (25 meters) below the surface in Cancun. Between December and March, Eargle Rays migrate to the area and can be seen in abundance at the C-55 dive site. Additionally, turtles and many schools of fish made the C-55 their habitat.
The depth and strong currents require intermediate dive skill levels and the Advanced Open water certification.
The visibility is on average 40 feet (12 meters).
Dive site brief: C-58 shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 82 feet/25 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Visibility: 40 feet/ 12 meters
- Current: strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
C-58 shipwreck in Cancun
The C-58 USS Harlequin (AM 365), named ARM General Pedro Maria Anaya, is another sunken US Navy minesweeper. It serves now as a submerged refuge for scuba divers beneath the azure waters of Cancun. Split into two pieces on the ocean floor – Stern and Bow – this artificial reef draws countless adventurers who explore its depths in search of vibrant marine life.
Originally the USS Harlequin was used to sweep mines in the Atlantic Ocean during WWII. It was in service of the US Navy until May 1946 and later sold in October 1962 to the Mexican Navy. The Mexican Navy used the C-58 as a research vessel until 1978.
In 1980 for the purpose to create an artificial reef and dive site in Cancun the 184-foot-long (56 meters) ship was sunk.
The dive site became even more interesting when the shipwreck was split into two pieces by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The storm wrecked the C-58 into two, leaving the interior rooms open for scuba diving exploration. Both pieces are very well preserved to this day.
During the winter months between December and March, large schools of Eagle Rays migrate to Cancun. They often surround the C-58 shipwreck, creating an underwater spectacle for every scuba diver.
The dive plan at the C-58 shipwreck in Cancun
The two pieces (Stern and Bow) of the C-58 shipwreck lay on the Cancun floor at a depth of 80 feet (24 meters). It takes about 30 minutes by boat to reach the dive spot from Cancun. The dive site is for advanced divers or deep dive adventures.
The bottom time of a dive is about 40 minutes.
Besides the wreck itself, divers can explore the artificial reef giving a home to an abundance of marine life. Common sightings are barracuda, eels, parrotfish, grouper, reef sharks, and rays.
The visibility is really nice at 65 feet (20 m). However, divers have to fight medium to strong currents.
Dive site brief: C-58 shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 80 feet/24 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Visibility: 65 feet/ 20 meters
- Current: strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
Chairel shipwreck
In the 80s, the Chairel operated as a ferry between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Then in 1990, it was renovated into a floating restaurant. On October 18th, 2000 there were plans to intentionally sink it so that divers could explore an artificial reef but due to inclement weather conditions, this didn’t happen quite as expected…
The strong winds caused the ship to sink too rapidly which resulted in it ending up upside down at its final resting place at ocean floor level.
Although the ship is flipped on its head, it has become a captivating underwater site full of spectacular sea animals like green moray eels, snapper, and barracuda. While divers aren’t allowed to access the inside portion of the vessel, there are still plenty of entertaining activities for them to explore around its exterior.
The dive plan for the Chairel shipwreck in Cancun
The Chairel ferry shipwreck dive site is 89 feet (27 meters) deep. The visibility is on average 40 feet (12 meters). Strong currents make the dive a little challenging. Because of that and the deep dive depth, the Advanced Open Water certification is required.
Even though divers can’t explore the inside of the shipwreck, divers must obtain an intermediate skill level.
Dive site brief: Chairel shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 89 feet/27 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Visibility: 40 feet/ 12 meters
- Current: strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
C-56 Juan Escutia shipwreck in Puerto Morelos
The USS Knave (AM-256), later known as C-56, is a 184 foot long WWII US Navy gunship that first took to the sea in 1943. After the war, it was used by the US Navy for training purposes in Little Creek Virginia until October 1962 when it was purchased by the Mexico Navy and finally intensionally sunk two decades after to create an artificial coral reef. The ship remains fully intact at its resting place on the seafloor surrounded by a beautiful array of wildlife such as snapper, rays, barracuda, and tuna.
The C-56 lays 90 feet (27 m) below the surface. Manmade holes provide plenty of entryways for exploration. With two levels to explore and safety lines helping to guide you along this dive is perfect for intermediate divers who like to explore shipwrecks. The current at the Juan Escutia wreck is mild to strong.
This shipwreck is located in Puerto Morelos, just a little south of Cancun.
The dive plan
It takes about a 20-minute by boat ride from Puerto Morelos to reach the dive site.
A line of descent will guide divers to the wreck at 90 feet (27 meters). The inside of the ship is open for exploration. In fact, the ship has two levels to explore. Lines inside the wreck guide divers.
The dive finishes at the deck at 64 feet (20 meters) below the surface.
Dive site brief: C-56 shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 64 – 90 feet/20 – 27 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Current: strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
Ultrafreeze or El Frio shipwreck in Isla Mujeres and Cancun
Isla Mujeres’ El Frio – better known as Ultrafreeze – is a popular dive site located off the island’s Caribbean coast. Tragically, in 1978 the former cargo ship caught fire while it was docked and left it irreparably damaged.
The shipwreck got its name from the interesting fact, that the waters are becoming distinctly chillier as you approach closer to the wreck. In 1979 – after the fire had taken place – authorities towed El Frio 7 miles (11km) out into open seas for an intentional sinking, creating an artificial reef and dive site along with it.
The dive plan for the El Frio/Ultrafreeze shipwreck
The cargo shipwreck is now located just shy of the deep ocean drop-off, also attracting bigger marine life. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres or Cancun. The Ultrafreeze shipwreck lies at a depth of 90 feet (27 meters).
El Frio has a length of 200 feet (61 meters) with large openings that allow a peek inside. Divers are allowed to swim inside the wreck but need to be aware of at times strong currents.
The bottom time is about 40 minutes.
Large fish like groupers, snappers, barracuda, turtles, eagle rays, jacks, and dolphins can be seen at this dive site.
Dive site brief: C-56 shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 90 feet/27 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Current: strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
Hondureño shipwreck in Isla Mujeres and Cancun
Located just a short jaunt away from the coast of North Beach on Isla Mujeres, lies the sunken wreckage of Hondureno. Once an impressive 120-foot (36 m) steel shrimp boat, this behemoth was caught in Hurricane Gilbert’s unforgiving clutches and met her untimely fate back in 1988. The wreck rests down at 70 feet (21 m), and divers can spot cobia fish, rainbow parrotfish, stonefish, green moray eels, and nurse sharks.
The dive spot is only 10 minutes by boat off Isla Mujeres’ shoreline. With great visibility of up to 65 feet (20m), the Hondureno wreck is a great dive site.
Dive site brief: C-56 shipwreck
- Access: by boat
- Level of certification required: Advanced Open Water
- Maximum depth: 70 feet/21 meters
- Dive time: 40 min
- Visibility: 65 feet/ 20 meters
- Current: medium – strong
- Type: Wreck dive; deep dive
Other shipwreck dive sites in the area
Other nearby shipwrecks are the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 in Cozumel and Mama Vina in Playa del Carmen.
