C-56 in Puerto Morelos

The C-56 is one of the most interesting wreck dives for experienced divers looking for a deeper, highly visual dive with plenty of marine life in the Puerto Morelos area.

Its structure, its position on sandy bottom and the chance to encounter stingrays and, most impressively, eagle rays make it a very appealing dive for those who enjoy shipwreck exploration. It is a site that combines presence, depth, current and a real sense of discovery.

If you are looking for a different wreck dive between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the C-56 is an excellent option. At approximately 30 meters / 90 feet, it is recommended for experienced divers who want to go beyond the reef and enjoy a more complete underwater experience.

History of the C-56 "Juan Escutia"

The C-56 shares a parallel history with the C-53. It was built in 1943 as a minesweeper for the U.S. Navy under the name USS Knave (AM-256), serving during World War II. In 1962 it was sold to the Mexican Navy and renamed ARM Cadete Juan Escutia (C-56). On October 28, 2000, it was deliberately sunk off the coast of Puerto Morelos, within the National Marine Park, to become an artificial reef.

What you'll find underwater

The C-56 rests perfectly upright at 27 meters deep. It's common to find groupers, moray eels, Napoleon fish, and large schools of jacks circling the hull. Near the wheelhouse, a resident barracuda is often spotted, and during the season eagle rays are frequently seen gliding over the structure, now completely covered in soft corals.

Before you dive the C-56

Given its 27-meter depth, we recommend Advanced Open Water certification or higher. It's an ideal dive to combine history, wreck diving, and marine life observation in a single trip from Puerto Morelos.