“I am absolutely captivated by the atmosphere of a shipwreck. A dead ship is home to an enormous amount of life fish and plants. The mix of life and death is mysterious, even religious. “There is the same sense of peace and humor that you feel when entering a cathedral.” -Jacques Yves Cousteau
One of our favorite dives is the Juan Escutia C50 Sunken Ship in Puerto Morelos
If you want to dive one of the best Shipwreck in the Mayan Riviera, the C-50 Shipwreck in Puerto Morelos is a dive that you cannot miss. This underwater jewel offers one of the best diving in the Riviera Maya, full of marine life and mystery that will leave you fascinated.
The C-50, also known as Juan Escutia of the Mexican Navy, is a Gunboat class ship that originally served the Mexican Navy. This 56 meter long vessel was deliberately sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef, with the aim of promoting marine biodiversity and offering an additional attraction for diving tourism in the region.
The Diving Experience
We leave Playa del Carmen to head to the picturesque town of Puerto Morelos, known for being a quiet place and having white sand beaches. We will embark at the dock to begin our diving adventure.
The C-50 rests at a depth of approximately 28 meters, making it accessible to divers with Advanced Open Water Certification. As we descend, the silhouette of the ship slowly emerges in the deep blue, offering a stunning view making the adrenaline rush. Visibility in this area is generally excellent, ranging between 20 and 30 meters, allowing every detail of the wreck to be appreciated.
Shipwreck Exploration
Once at the bottom, the best wreck diving. The C-50 is in navigation position, allowing for intuitive exploration diving. You can dive around the hull, observe the cannons still in place and delve into the bowels of the ship, always following the safety instructions of your guide. The ship's cabins and compartments have become home to a rich variety of marine life.
Marine life
The C-50 is not only a structural marvel, but also a vibrant ecosystem. Various species of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, moray eels, etc. live inside. Corals and sponges have colonized the hull, adding an explosion of color to the underwater landscape. Divers often find themselves surrounded by schools of barracudas and we will surely be able to see the incredible Mantas Aguilas that are found around the wreck, creating an unparalleled immersion experience.
Underwater Photography
If you like underwater photography, the C-50 is heaven. The light and visibility conditions allow you to capture spectacular images of marine fauna and the ship's structures. It is recommended to bring a camera with adequate lighting to capture the magic of this shipwreck.
Practical tips
1. Certification Make sure you have the proper certification, preferably Advanced Open Water, as the wreck is at a considerable depth.
2. Weather Conditions Check the weather conditions and sea state before planning your dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
3. Expert Guides Always dive with certified and experienced dive operators who know the site well.
4. Respect for the Ecosystem Maintain a respectful attitude towards marine life and do not touch or remove any part of the shipwreck or corals.
The C-50 shipwreck in Puerto Morelos is a diving experience that combines the experience of shipwreck diving, the beauty of marine life and the thrill of underwater exploration. If you want to live one of the best sunken ship diving experiences, this dive will offer you a unique experience and a deep connection with the underwater world. Prepare your equipment and immerse yourself in this unique adventure in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean!
We hope you enjoy your next dive on the C-50 and share your experiences with us! If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to leave a comment!