Puerto Morelos: C-56 Shipwreck & Reef for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver planning a trip to Puerto Morelos, you’ll want to add the C-56 Juan Escutia wreck and reef adventure to your list. From what we’ve seen, this tour offers a solid mix of history, color, and marine life, all within the stunning setting of the Puerto Morelos National Park.

What really catches our eye are two things: first, the chance to explore a sunken military ship that’s transformed into an artificial reef filled with vibrant marine creatures. Second, the opportunity to visit a variety of reef sites teeming with marine life like eagle rays, turtles, and nurse sharks.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is designed for certified divers with at least an Open Water Diver certification. If you’re out of practice or haven’t been diving in the last six months, it’s worth informing the team beforehand. This tour probably isn’t ideal for families with young children or non-divers, but seasoned divers will find plenty to love here.

Who would I recommend this for? If you’re comfortable with reef and wreck diving, and you’re looking to see some lively underwater scenery without complicated logistics, this tour could be a great fit. It balances the excitement of exploring a historic wreck with the beauty of reef life, all in a manageable 4-hour window.

Key Points

• A unique experience exploring the historic C-56 Juan Escutia warship turned artificial reef.
• Vibrant marine life and coral formations make the wreck and reef sites visually stunning.
• Two tanks included mean plenty of underwater time—one on the wreck, one at reef sites.
• All necessary equipment is provided, making it easy to just focus on enjoying the water.
• Private group setting offers a more personalized experience.
• Flexible booking policies let you reserve now and pay later, with cancellation options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Up-Cclose Look at the Tour

If you’re the type of diver who loves a mix of history and marine biology, this trip hits the spot. Starting early in the morning or in the afternoon, the tour usually lasts about four hours, giving you enough time to enjoy two dives without feeling rushed. The boat, designed for small to medium groups, ensures you’re not squeezed in with too many other divers, which can often lead to a more relaxed and personalized experience.

The Wreck of the C-56 Juan Escutia

Once a military vessel, the C-56 Juan Escutia now rests peacefully in the waters off Puerto Morelos, serving as an artificial reef. The wreck’s interior rooms and structure allow for some exploratory diving—perfect for those who want to see what’s inside without needing advanced wreck diving certification.

From what divers have shared, the wreck is teeming with vibrant marine life, including barracudas, snappers, and colorful reef fish. Some reviews mention the thrill of swimming through the wreck’s interior, which adds a sense of adventure to the experience.

The boat ride itself is comfortable and suited to small-group dynamics, which many divers appreciate because it means you get more attention from your guide and fewer crowds. Plus, all the gear you need—tanks, weights, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins—are included, so there’s no need to bring your own equipment unless you prefer your own fit.

Reef Sites in Puerto Morelos National Park

After exploring the wreck, the second dive takes you to nearby reef sites like Aquarium, Mini-wall, Cuevones, Paradise, or Fish Market. These spots are renowned for their stunning coral formations and diverse marine life, including eagle rays, nurse sharks, stingrays, turtles, and eels.

From what users say, the reef dives are just as impressive as the wreck, with vibrant corals and an abundance of reef fish. If you love watching marine animals in their natural habitat, you’ll find plenty to marvel at here.

Practical Details

The price of $162 per person is reasonable given that it covers two dives, all equipment, park and dock fees, and a certified guide. The inclusion of a weather refund warranty adds peace of mind—if weather cancels your dive, you can get a full refund.

Transportation isn’t included but can be arranged, which is nice if you’re staying in a hotel nearby. The tour also offers extras like photo and video packages if you want a record of your underwater adventures.

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What We Like and What to Consider

We like how this tour provides a solid balance of historical intrigue and marine beauty, especially with the chance to explore a wreck that’s become a thriving part of the reef ecosystem. The small group vibe and full equipment package also make it a hassle-free experience.

However, keep in mind that it’s not suitable for non-certified divers, children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues. The minimum certification requirement means this is best for those comfortable underwater and experienced enough to handle reef and wreck diving.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Morelos tour offers a compelling mix of history, colorful marine life, and reef scenery. If you’re a certified diver looking to explore a sunken ship and vibrant reefs in one trip, it’s a solid choice. The fact that all necessary gear is included and the group sizes are limited means you’ll likely have a comfortable, focused experience.

It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy underwater exploration that combines a bit of history with the natural beauty of coral reefs. While it might not be the best pick if you’re not certified or traveling with non-divers, it definitely delivers value and memorable sights for the right traveler.

FAQs

Do I need a special license to join this tour?
Yes, you need at least an Open Water Diver certification. This ensures you’re comfortable with reef and wreck diving.

Is equipment provided?
Yes, all dive gear including tanks, weights, wetsuits, BCD, regulator, mask, and fins are included. You only need to bring personal items like your passport and swimwear.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. There’s a weather refund warranty in place.

How many dives are included?
There are two tanks—one for exploring the wreck and another for reef sites in Puerto Morelos National Park.

What marine life might I see?
Expect to see eagle rays, barracudas, snappers, turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, eels, and various reef fish.

Is transportation included?
Not automatically, but transportation options are available separately.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and perhaps a camera if you’d like to capture the moment.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, which typically includes boat time, dives, and briefings.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for certified divers; non-divers or families with young children might want to look for different activities, as this is focused on experienced divers.

All in all, the C-56 Shipwreck & Reef tour in Puerto Morelos stands out as a well-rounded, engaging experience for certified divers eager to see a historic wreck and vibrant reefs in one go. It’s a good mix of adventure, natural beauty, and underwater history that’s worth considering if your dive skills are up to the challenge.

You can check availability for your dates here: