Puerto Morelos Shipwreck C-56 Juan Escutia; the mesmerising sunken time capsule
Why you should come and dive C-56 Juan Escutia Shipwreck in Puerto Morelos?
For scuba divers with a passion for wrecks, history, and marine life, the C-56 Juan Escutia is one of the most fascinating dive sites along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Located just off the coast of the quiet town of Puerto Morelos (conveniently nestled between Cancún and Playa del Carmen) this sunken warship offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history that’s now fully embraced by the Caribbean Sea.
Dive into History: Exploring the C-56 Shipwreck in Puerto Morelos
The C-56 is a former U.S. Navy vessel, originally known as USS Knave (AM-256), a minesweeper built during World War II. After serving in the U.S. Navy, it was transferred to the Mexican Navy in the 1960s and renamed ARM Cadete Juan Escutia C-56. In 2000, as part of an artificial reef initiative, the ship was intentionally sunk about 8 km off the coast of Puerto Morelos, making it an accessible and eco-friendly dive site designed to encourage coral growth and marine biodiversity.
A challenging dive
The wreck lies at a depth of around 27–30 meters (90–100 feet), making it most suitable for advanced open water divers or those with deep diving certification. Due to its depth and occasional strong currents, it’s often recommended to dive this site with Nitrox if you’re certified, to extend bottom time and enhance safety.
What makes the C-56 especially compelling is the balance between structure and sea life. The ship’s silhouette is still impressively intact, and divers can explore its deck, gun mounts, control tower, and several safe swim-throughs in the cargo and engine areas. Over the years, the wreck has become a haven for marine life. You’re likely to spot schools of barracuda, groupers, angelfish, and snappers swirling around the wreck, and if you’re lucky, you might see eagle rays gliding by or turtles resting nearby. Coral and sponges have begun to cover the hull, adding color and texture to the metallic bones of the ship.
The dive is often part of a two-tank trip, usually paired with a reef dive afterward. Visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters depending on weather conditions, and water temperatures stay warm year-round—typically between 26°C and 30°C (78°F to 87°F).
A unique experience
Diving the C-56 is not just a physical experience, it’s an emotional one, too. Descending into the blue and watching the outline of the ship slowly appear beneath you is both thrilling and humbling. It’s a chance to connect with history, appreciate the beauty of artificial reef development, and witness the resilience of marine ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned wreck diver or just beginning to explore deeper waters, the C-56 offers an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface. Make sure to bring your dive computer, a good torch for peeking into shadowed compartments, and your camera if you’re into underwater photography, this wreck is extremely photogenic and a unforgettable experience.
