From Cancun: Shipwreck Dives Experience in Puerto Morelos

Imagine slipping beneath the waves to explore a 150-foot U.S. Navy shipwreck, home to vibrant marine life and, in winter, the graceful arcs of eagle rays. All this, just a short ride from Cancun, for $232 per person, with a 4.5-hour adventure that leaves plenty of room for new friends, good photos, and a sense of discovery. The experience is rated 4.4 out of 5, which suggests most divers find it rewarding — and we’re here to tell you why it might just be the underwater highlight of your trip.

What we love most about this tour is how accessible it makes exploring a significant shipwreck in a safe, manageable way, especially with expert guides who keep groups small. Plus, the chance to see eagle rays in their natural winter habitat adds a real wow factor. That said, it’s a deep dive, so if you’re not certified or experienced with deep dives, this might not be for you. The tour suits those who appreciate structured, guided underwater adventures and are comfortable with slightly more advanced diving requirements.

Ideal for certified divers seeking a meaningful wreck exploration, marine life enthusiasts eager for encounters with rays, or travelers wanting a half-day, hassle-free adventure close to Cancun.

Key Points

• Historic Shipwreck: Explore the 150-foot C-56 Mine Sweeper sunk to boost marine habitats.
• Seasonal Marvel: Eagle rays appear in winter, creating an unforgettable sight.
• Expert Guidance: Small groups with personalized instruction enhance safety and experience.
• All-Inclusive: Full scuba gear, transport, and marine park dives included.
• Deep Dive Experience: Requires advanced open water certification or equivalent.
• Convenience: Round-trip transport from Cancun hotels makes it easy to join.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Underwater Journey Close to Cancun

While Cancun is famous for its beaches and lively nightlife, this tour offers a different kind of adventure—one that takes you beneath the surface. Located just minutes from Cancun in Puerto Morelos, the site is part of the protected Puerto Morelos National Marine Park, known for its clear waters and vibrant reefs. Setting out from your Cancun hotel, you’ll be transported comfortably to the pier, where the crew from My Deep Life gets you geared up for a memorable day.

The overall experience lasts about 4.5 hours, balancing two dives with enough time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. It’s a compact window that offers a rich taste of the local marine environment, without the full-day commitment of some trips. This makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want to combine multiple activities.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with transportation from your Cancun hotel, where you’ll meet your small group—generally limited to 10 participants, which means plenty of attention from guides. Once at the Puerto Morelos main pier, your instructor will escort you to the boat, and you’ll gear up with full scuba equipment, included in the price. Don’t forget to send your height, weight, and shoe size beforehand so they can provide the perfect fit.

First Dive: The Wreck of the C-56

The flagship event is exploring the C-56 Mine Sweeper. Sunk deliberately by the U.S. Navy, this wreck has become a thriving artificial reef. As you descend, you’ll notice the ship’s structure, which spans 150 feet, offering plenty of nooks and crannies for marine creatures. We loved the way the wreck serves as a habitat for diverse species, from small colorful fish to larger creatures. The guide will point out notable features and ensure everyone stays safe while marveling at the sunken vessel.

Second Dive: The Coral Reefs of Puerto Morelos

After surfacing, a quick break with fresh fruit keeps everyone energized. Then, it’s time for your second dive, in shallower waters within the marine park. Here, you’ll explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine wildlife, from swaying fans to schools of tropical fish. The shallow depth makes this dive accessible to a broader range of certified divers and provides excellent opportunities for photography.

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The Eagle Rays Show (Winter Months)

From November to March, the site becomes a stage for eagle rays. We love the way these gentle giants hover and glide, creating a surreal spectacle. Several reviewers mention how breathtaking it is to watch these creatures in their natural habitat, making the winter months a particularly special time to visit.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the package are two scuba dives, full gear, round-trip transportation from Cancun, and personalized guidance. You’ll also enjoy fresh fruit onboard, which helps keep your energy up between dives. The small group size (1:2 to 1:4 instructor-to-diver ratio) means you’ll get attention tailored to your experience level, which is especially reassuring for those less confident in the water.

Not included are wetsuits — which might be worth bringing if you tend to feel cold — and marine park entrance fees (though these are often paid on-site or included in some other packages). Be aware that deep diving requires an Advanced Certification or equivalent; if you’re a beginner with only Open Water certification, check whether your prior deep experience qualifies.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

One key advantage of this experience is the round-trip transport from any Cancun hotel, removing the hassle of arranging your own transfer. The small group setup ensures that guides can give more personalized attention, and you won’t be jostling with large crowds. The guides are Spanish-speaking, but communication is straightforward, especially if you have some diving experience.

Pricing and Value

At $232 per person, this tour offers a compelling mix of quality, convenience, and access to a historic wreck. When you consider gear, transportation, and guided instruction are included, the cost feels justified for certified divers seeking authentic, in-depth experiences. It’s not a cheap thrill, but the quality of the guides and the uniqueness of the site make it a worthwhile investment. Those looking for a more casual snorkeling trip, however, might find this a bit too intense.

Authentic Marine Encounters

Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional marine life. One diver appreciated that “the wreck was teeming with fish, and seeing eagle rays was the highlight of my trip.” Another mentioned how the guides kept the group small, making the experience more intimate. Such details matter: small groups mean more time with the instructor and fewer crowds around the wreck, enhancing the overall experience.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Send your height, weight, and shoe size in advance to ensure gear fits perfectly.
• Be prepared for a deep dive; check your certification is suitable.
• Consider bringing a wetsuit if you tend to get cold, especially in shallow waters.
• Make sure your camera or waterproof case is ready to capture the underwater sights.
• Arrive early at the pier to allow for a relaxed start.
• Remember, the site is best visited in the right season (winter months) for eagle ray sightings.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for certified divers wanting to explore a significant wreck site, especially those interested in marine wildlife like eagle rays. It’s suited for travelers who appreciate guided, small-group excursions that prioritize safety and personalized attention. If you’re looking for a half-day adventure that combines history, wildlife, and beautiful underwater scenery, this tour delivers.

However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, claustrophobia, or heart issues, given the deep dive requirement. Also, if you’re a non-certified diver or have no previous experience with deep dives, this experience might be too advanced.

The Sum Up

For travelers based in Cancun seeking a meaningful underwater adventure, this shipwreck experience offers a combination of history, wildlife, and expert guidance. The accessibility of the Puerto Morelos reef, paired with the chance to see eagle rays in season, gives it a special edge over more generic snorkel or shallow diving trips. The logistics are straightforward — round-trip transport, full gear, small groups — making it a hassle-free choice for those ready to explore beneath the waves.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic marine encounters and its ability to cater to certified divers looking for something beyond the typical reef. If you’re comfortable with deep dives and eager to see a historic wreck in an unspoiled setting, this will likely be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

For those on a tight schedule or seeking a more casual underwater experience, consider if the depth requirement and certification needs fit your plans. But if adventure calls, this tour delivers a genuine, rewarding glimpse into the underwater world just outside Cancun.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified to join this tour?
Yes, the wreck dive is a deep dive and requires an Advanced Certification or open water certification with deep dive experience. Make sure to send your details beforehand so the team can prepare the right gear.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes two scuba dives, full scuba gear, round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel, and a guide. Fruits are also provided onboard to keep you energized.

Can beginners participate?
This experience is designed for certified divers comfortable with deep diving. If you’re a beginner with only open water certification, you might need prior deep dive experience to qualify.

What about the seasonality of eagle rays?
Eagle rays are present from November to March, so if you’re eager to see these creatures, plan your visit during these months.

How big are the groups?
The groups are kept small, with a maximum of 1:2 to 1:4 instructor-to-diver ratio. This ensures more personalized attention and safer, more enjoyable dives.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card, send your personal measurements in advance, and consider a wetsuit if you tend to get cold. A waterproof camera is a bonus for capturing the scenery.

Is transportation complicated?
No, transportation is included from any hotel in Cancun, making the trip smooth and stress-free. Just be ready at the designated pickup time.

This detailed look at the Puerto Morelos shipwreck experience shows it’s a well-organized, rewarding adventure for certified divers who value history, marine wildlife, and small-group guidance. It’s a chance to see a fascinating man-made structure become a thriving aquatic world, all within reach of Cancun’s bustling resorts.

You can check availability for your dates here: