Wreck Dive in Puerto Morelos
Nestled between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is a charming coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere, local fishing heritage, and vibrant marine ecosystem. Although smaller and quieter than its neighboring tourist hubs, it offers fantastic dive opportunities for those eager to explore both reefs and a fascinating shipwreck.

The C-56 Juan Escutia Wreck

Originally built as the USS Knave (AM-256) for the U.S. Navy during World War II, this Admirable-class minesweeper was later acquired by the Mexican Navy and renamed ARM Cadete Juan Escutia (C-56). Intentionally sunk off the coast of Puerto Morelos to create an artificial reef, the vessel remains remarkably well-preserved and offers divers a memorable wreck experience. If you’re a fan of exploring historical ships, be sure to also check out our Wreck Diving in Cancun for additional underwater adventures.

Reef Diving in Puerto Morelos

Thanks to dedicated local conservation efforts, Puerto Morelos has a well-preserved section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. Just a short boat ride from shore, these reefs boast a rich variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, barracudas, eels, rays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. With clear water, easy access, and abundant biodiversity, Puerto Morelos offers a perfect blend of wreck and reef diving for divers of all levels.

This activity requires at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent), and you must present a valid SCUBA certification card. This area may have strong current, EXPERIENCED DIVERS required or ACTIVE DIVERS with at least 20 dives logged. Anyone with asthma, heart or brain conditions, high blood pressure, lung lesions, diabetes, epilepsy, or a history of surgery within the past year must provide a medical clearance signed by a physician specializing in their condition.

Please remember that you should wait 18–24 hours after diving before flying.

• Check in: 7:30 a.m.
• Boat departure in Puerto Morelos: 9:00 a.m.
• Return: Around 1:30 p.m.

INCLUDED:

• Round trip transportation from your hotel included (Pick up from Playa Mujeres hotels: 30 USD)
• 2 tank dive: 1 tank Puerto Morelos shipwreck and 1 tank dive in a reefs
• National Marine park fee
• Equipment included (If you do not have your own equipment)
• Wetsuit included (If you do not have your own wetsuit)
• Tanks and weights
• Drinking purified water

• Bookings cancelled due to weather such us major storms or high wind speed, acts of mother nature or circunstances beyond our control will be rescheduled or subject to a full 100% refund.
• 100% refund if you cancel with up to 72 hours in advance of your scheduled activity.
• 50% refund if you cancel between 24 and 72 hours in advance of your activity.
• If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled activity, no refund will be provided.
• There is no reschedule option within 24 hours of your activity.
• No show for any reason of your scheduled dives or course, including: ill health, flight delays/cancelations, hangovers, late arrivals; no refund will be issued, non-attendance incurs charges that have to be fully covered.
• Refunds do not apply if you decide to interrupt your activity for any reason after it starts, including: seasickness, fear, ill health, ear problems/equalization issues, etc.
• Failure to disclose medical conditions and/or refusal to comply with sufficient safety times before flying informed in the activity, will result in your dive being cancelled with no refund.