If you’re a certified diver heading to Cancun and craving a unique underwater experience, this 2 Dives Shipwreck and Reef Tour might catch your eye. It offers a chance to explore two fascinating sunken ships transformed into lively artificial reefs, along with a beautiful reef dive in the renowned Cancun National Park. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve sifted through the details, reviews, and what’s on offer to give you a down-to-earth perspective on what to expect.
What immediately appeals is how this trip combines maritime history with vibrant marine environments. You’ll get to see the C-55 or C-58 wrecks, both loaded with marine life and history, and then relax at Punta Cancun Reef, a favorite among local divers. We love that this experience is tailored for certified divers with Open Water Certification, ensuring a level of comfort and safety, and that it limits group size to just ten participants, keeping things personal and attentive.
On the flip side, one consideration is the weather dependency—as with most outdoor water activities, conditions can affect your experience. Also, the tour is relatively short at four hours, so if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or additional activities, you’ll need extra plans.
Ultimately, this tour feels like a great pick for those who want a well-rounded, immersive encounter with Cancun’s marine environment—especially if you’re into history, vibrant underwater life, and manageable group sizes. It’s best suited for confident divers who appreciate a bit of history along with marine color.
Key Points

- Requires Open Water Diver Certification for participation
- Two dives included: one at a shipwreck, one at Punta Cancun Reef
- Marine life and coral growth make for stunning underwater sights
- Small group experience ensures personalized attention
- Weather can influence which wreck you explore first
- Additional costs for transportation and photo/video are optional
An Honest Look at the Cancun 2 Dives Shipwreck and Reef Tour

When it comes to exploring underwater in Cancun, many travelers dream of vivid coral, schools of colorful fish, and a touch of history. This tour offers all that, focusing on the C-55 or C-58 wrecks, both deliberately sunk in 2000 to promote marine regeneration. These ships, used as minesweepers in WWII, now serve as bustling artificial reefs that draw marine life and offer an intriguing glimpse into maritime past.
Planning more time in Cancun? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For $158 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering it covers two dives, equipment, tanks, weights, and a certified guide. Plus, there’s a conservation and dock fee included, which is good to see as it supports local reef preservation. Onboard, you’ll find drinking water, which is a small touch but important after a good swim.
However, transportation isn’t included, meaning you’ll need to organize your transfer if you’re not staying close to the starting point. There’s also an option for photo and video services, but those come at an extra cost, so if you want to document your adventure, plan accordingly.
How the Day Unfolds
The tour lasts about four hours, a tight window that’s perfect for a quick yet impactful underwater outing. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll set out on a boat with a small group—only ten divers maximum—which ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.
Once on site, depending on the weather, you’ll have the choice between the C-55 or C-58 wrecks for your first dive. Both are popular for their intriguing shapes and marine life, but some reviews mention that weather can influence which wreck is dived first. After exploring the shipwrecks, you’ll head to Punta Cancun Reef for your second dive.
On the reef, you can expect to see marine creatures like eels, rays, nurse sharks, and a variety of reef fish. The coral formations are vibrant, and there are swim-throughs that add an element of adventure. Many divers remark on the stunning views and lively marine environment, which make each moment underwater memorable.
Diving the Wrecks
The wrecks, sunk deliberately, now act as bustling hubs for marine life. They offer a fascinating mix of history and nature, with remnants of the ships still visible amid coral and fish. One reviewer described it as a “captivating glimpse into maritime history,” which adds depth to the experience beyond just observing marine life.
The wrecks are around 20-30 meters deep, making them accessible for certified divers comfortable with those depths. The structure provides excellent hiding spots for rays, eels, and nurse sharks, which are often seen by divers exploring.
More Great Tours NearbyMarine Life and Coral
The marine environment around Cancun is notably vibrant, with coral growth and a host of species. The wrecks are teeming with life, and many reviewers appreciated the extended bottom times and nice swim-throughs that keep the experience engaging. This isn’t just about ticking off a wreck; it’s about really enjoying the spectacle of life thriving on these artificial reefs.
- Private Roundtrip Transportation from Cancun Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone
- Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch
- Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
- Flamingo Sightseeing Pink Lake Tour and Rio Lagartos Boat Ride
- 3 adrenaline activities Atvs Zipline and a swim experience in a cenote
- 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling: Turtles, Reef, Musa, Shipwreck, Cenote
Experience Quality and Group Dynamics
The small group size, limited to ten, is a big plus. It allows guides to give more personalized attention, making even seasoned divers feel well cared for. Guides are fluent in Spanish and English, which helps a lot if you need clear instructions or want to ask questions about the wrecks and marine environment.
Weather and Safety
Weather is an important factor for dive tours like this. If conditions are rough, the crew might decide which wreck to explore first. This flexibility helps ensure safety, but it might slightly affect your schedule. The bad weather refund warranty is reassuring, giving peace of mind if the conditions prevent the planned dives.
The Value Proposition
At $158, this experience provides a lot of bang for your buck—two dives, equipment, a guide, and fees included. For seasoned divers, it offers a chance to see two iconic wrecks and enjoy a reef dive, all within a manageable four-hour window. It’s a solid option if you’re looking to combine history, marine life, and a small-group vibe.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits certified divers with at least Open Water Certification, comfortable with depths of about 20-30 meters. It’s perfect for those who appreciate historical shipwrecks as part of their diving experience, alongside vibrant coral reefs. If you’re looking for a quick, well-organized adventure with a small group, this will check most boxes.
It’s not ideal for non-divers or those afraid of the water—this tour isn’t for snorkelers or beginners. Also, if you want an all-day activity or additional amenities, you might want to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts

This Cancun 2 Dives Shipwreck and Reef tour offers a balanced mix of history, marine life, and manageable group size. The experience of exploring WWII-era wrecks turned lively artificial reefs provides a unique flavor compared to typical reef dives. The stunning views of coral and marine creatures around the wrecks make it a memorable outing for divers with some experience under their belt.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of cultural history and vibrant underwater ecosystems, delivered in a well-organized four-hour window. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the included safety measures and refund policies make it a reliable choice.
If you’re a certified diver eager to see meaningful wrecks and enjoy a lively reef, this tour deserves a spot on your Cancun itinerary. Just be aware of the weather’s impact, and plan your transportation accordingly.
Cancun 2 Dives Shipwreck C55 or C58 & Reef -Certified Divers
FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, this tour requires a minimum Open Water Diver Certification. It’s designed for experienced divers comfortable with depths of around 20-30 meters.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers two dives (shipwreck and reef), diving equipment, tanks, weights, a certified guide, conservation fee, and dock fee. Optional photo/video services are available at an extra cost.
Can I choose which wreck to dive first?
Not always. The wreck you explore first depends on weather conditions, but the tour offers a choice between the C-55 or C-58 wrecks.
What marine life might I see?
Expect to see eels, rays, nurse sharks, and various reef fish. The wrecks are lively, and the coral attracts diverse species.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, making it suitable for divers who want a quick yet fulfilling underwater adventure.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transfer to the departure point. The tour includes an option for photo and video, but those are paid extras.
Whether you’re fascinated by maritime history or just love vibrant reef scenes, this tour offers a compact, engaging experience. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the depths involved, and you’ll likely come away with some great underwater memories.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Cancun
- Chichen Itza, Cenote Ikkil and Hubiku+ Valladolid! Deluxe Chichen Itza Tour
- Wonderful Tour Las Coloradas & Buffete only from Cancun
- Catamaran and snorkel in isla mujeres
- Xenotes Adventure from Riviera Maya
- Chichen Itza tour with Cenote and Valladolid
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Cancun – Xcaret Parks (1-8 Pax)
More Cancun experiences we've covered
- Chichen Itza, Cenote Ikkil and Hubiku+ Valladolid! Deluxe Chichen Itza Tour
- Wonderful Tour Las Coloradas & Buffete only from Cancun
- Catamaran and snorkel in isla mujeres
- Xenotes Adventure from Riviera Maya
- Chichen Itza tour with Cenote and Valladolid
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Cancun – Xcaret Parks (1-8 Pax)
- Private Transportation and admission ticket to Coba
- Round Trip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport up 14 people
- Cancun Guided Sightseeing El Meco Site, Letters and Shopping
- Puerto Morelos Reef Snorkeling Tour with Lunch
- Deluxe Isla Mujeres sailing tour with transportation
- Private Wing Foil lesson in Cacun from Isla Blanca
