From Cancun: Shipwreck Dives Experience in Puerto Morelos

Imagine exploring the remnants of a sunken warship, surrounded by schools of fish and, during the winter, eagle rays gracefully gliding by. That’s precisely what this Shipwreck Dives Experience in Puerto Morelos offers — a chance to see a historic vessel and vibrant marine life, all just a short ride from Cancun. If you’re a diver looking for a combination of history and nature, this trip deserves your attention.

We love the way this tour combines two distinct underwater environments — the haunting beauty of the C-56 Mine sweeper shipwreck and the lively, colorful reef ecosystem of Puerto Morelos National Marine Park. The fact that the wreck was deliberately sunk by the U.S. Navy for marine habitat makes it both intriguing and meaningful to visit. Plus, the possibility of encountering eagle rays adds an extra touch of magic during the cooler months. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a deep dive, so it’s best suited for certified divers with some experience. If you’re new to diving or have certain health concerns, it might not be the best fit. Overall, it’s a trip that appeals most to those who want a mix of adventure, history, and marine wildlife — and who appreciate a well-organized, small-group atmosphere.

Key Points

• Unique wreck exploration: Dive into a historic U.S. Navy ship sunk intentionally for ecological benefit.
• Seasonal wildlife spotting: Expect to see eagle rays in winter months, adding a spectacular element.
• Two dives in one trip: One on the wreck, another in the vibrant reef of Puerto Morelos.
• Expert guidance: Small group sizes (1:2 to 1:4 ratio) provide personalized attention.
• All gear included: Full scuba equipment means you don’t have to rent or bring gear.
• Convenient transportation: Round-trip hotel pickup from Cancun makes it hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What’s This Tour All About?

If you’re keen on experiencing underwater history and marine wildlife, this Shipwreck Dives Experience from Cancun is a solid choice. It offers the chance to explore a 150-foot U.S. Navy ship that lies submerged in the clear waters of Puerto Morelos, a location that’s ideally situated between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. For divers craving something beyond the usual reef, this wreck provides a glimpse into both maritime history and underwater ecosystems.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of two dives: one at the historic wreck, and another in the lively coral reef of the Marine Park. We especially appreciate the small group setting, which means more attention from guides and a safer, more enjoyable experience. Plus, the logistics are straightforward — round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel keeps things simple and stress-free.

One thing to consider is that deep diving certification or at least open water with deep dive experience is required, so this isn’t suited for absolute beginners. However, if you’re an experienced diver, you’ll find this offers excellent value for both adventure and education. This tour targets travelers who want a meaningful, memorable underwater experience—whether you’re a history buff, marine enthusiast, or just someone eager to see something different.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting from Cancun, you’ll be picked up at your hotel, with transportation arranged to Puerto Morelos. The ride is typically smooth and scenic, giving you a chance to relax before your underwater adventure begins. Once you arrive at the Puerto Morelos main pier, an experienced instructor will lead you to the boat where your equipment is ready and waiting.

The first dive on the shipwreck is usually the highlight. Sunk intentionally by the U.S. Navy, the C-56 Mine sweeper rests in about 20-30 meters of water (roughly 60-100 feet). You’ll descend along the ship’s hull, exploring its decks and compartments, becoming part of the story that the wreck embodies. The wreck is large (150 feet long), providing plenty to see, but the depth means it’s definitely a deep dive—so proper certification is essential.

After a surface interval and some fruit onboard (a nice touch to keep you energized), the second dive will take you to the nearby reef. Here, you’ll explore vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, and other marine creatures in shallower waters. It’s a perfect contrast to the wreck, giving you a full picture of Puerto Morelos’ underwater richness.

During the winter months (November to March), eagle rays are frequently spotted hovering around the wreck, creating an almost surreal scene. Many reviews mention how graceful eagle rays look as they glide past, making it a true highlight for wildlife observers. The tour lasts roughly 4.5 hours, which includes transportation, the two dives, and some prep and briefing time.

What’s included? Full scuba gear, transportation, and personalized instruction (upon request). The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and guides are attentive to your needs.

What We Love About the Experience

One of the biggest attractions is the historic wreck itself. Sunk intentionally to promote marine life, this vessel has become a thriving habitat, complete with schools of fish and diverse invertebrates. It’s a remarkably accessible site for divers with the right certification, offering a tangible connection to maritime history.

The seasonal eagle ray sightings are a real bonus. Many reviewers rave about seeing these elegant creatures in the winter, describing the sight as ” mesmerizing” and “something I’ll never forget.” It’s a chance to witness marine wildlife behaving naturally, adding a layer of authenticity that many reef tours can’t match.

On top of that, the small group format means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. The guides are experienced and attentive, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the dives. The included full scuba gear means you don’t need to worry about equipment logistics — just bring your certification and enthusiasm.

Practical Details: How It Works

Transport & Logistics: The tour provides round-trip transportation from any hotel in Cancun or the Mayan Riviera, which removes the headache of arranging your own travel. Expect a comfortable ride to Puerto Morelos, which is just a short drive away.

Duration & Timing: The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you can choose a slot that fits your schedule. This timing includes pickup, briefing, the two scuba dives, and some downtime.

Group Size & Guides: Limited to 10 participants, with a 1:2 to 1:4 guide-to-diver ratio, ensuring personalized guidance. This is especially important for the deep wreck dive, where experienced supervision enhances safety and enjoyment.

Certification & Experience: A deep dive requires either an Advanced Certification or Open Water Certification with deep experience. You’ll need to send your height, weight, and shoe size ahead of time so the staff can prepare the correct equipment.

Cost & Value: At $232 per person, the price includes two dives, gear, transportation, and guidance. For experienced divers seeking a unique wreck experience plus reef exploration, this price is reasonable, especially given the small group attention and the unique opportunity to see eagle rays.

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What’s Not Included

• Wetsuits: Not included, so consider bringing or renting one if you’re sensitive to cold.
• Marine Park entry fee: Not included, so you’ll need to buy the park ticket separately if you wish to explore the reef area beyond what’s provided.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for experienced divers with deep dive certification or open water certification with deep experience. It’s not designed for beginners or those with health issues like back or heart problems. If you’re a seasoned diver craving a historical wreck and the chance to see eagle rays, you’ll find this tour well worth the price.

Travelers who appreciate small groups and highly personalized guidance will especially enjoy the intimate atmosphere. It’s also a good option for those who want an active, educational experience that combines history and marine biology. If you’re on a tight schedule, the convenience of hotel pickup and all gear included** simplifies logistics.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Puerto Morelos shipwreck experience offers a rare blend of history, wildlife, and adventure. It’s a well-organized tour that provides full support and personalized attention, making it ideal for experienced divers seeking something beyond the typical reef trip. The chance to explore an authentic sunk vessel and possibly see eagle rays makes it a memorable outing.

If you’re looking for an engaging, meaningful underwater experience, and you meet the certification requirements, this tour offers good value for the price. The small-group setting and expert guidance ensure safety and comfort, whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group.

For those who love history, marine life, and a touch of adventure, this trip will check many boxes. It’s a chance to connect with the ocean in a way that’s both fun and educational — a true highlight for any diver visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

FAQ

Do I need certification to join?
Yes. The wreck dive is a deep dive, requiring either an Advanced Certification or an Open Water Certification with prior deep experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes two scuba dives, full scuba gear, round-trip transportation, and guidance from a personal instructor.

How big are the groups?
Groups are limited to 10 participants, with a guide-to-diver ratio of 1:2 to 1:4, ensuring plenty of personal attention.

Can I see eagle rays?
Yes, eagle rays are most commonly seen during the winter months (November to March), gliding gracefully around the wreck.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card, any personal gear you prefer, and if cold-sensitive, consider a wetsuit (which you can rent if not included).

Is this suitable for beginners?
No, it’s best suited for divers with deep dive experience or advanced certification.

What if I have health concerns?
This tour isn’t recommended for people with back problems, heart issues, claustrophobia, epilepsy, kidney problems, or other listed health concerns.

This tour offers a unique chance to combine marine history and wildlife in one trip, with the added comfort of small groups and full gear. If you’re an experienced diver seeking something special between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it’s worth considering — an underwater adventure you’ll remember long after surfacing.

You can check availability for your dates here: