Puerto Morelos: Shipwreck and Reef Diving Tour

If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience the waters of Quintana Roo, this Puerto Morelos Shipwreck and Reef Diving Tour might just be your ticket to underwater adventure. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, it’s clearly designed for those eager to see a historic wreck and vibrant marine life all in one go. What’s especially appealing is the mix of a fascinating shipwreck exploration paired with a relaxed second dive at a shallow reef, perfect for snapping photos and spotting colorful fish.

What I love about this experience is that it includes all necessary gear, making it hassle-free for travelers. Plus, the focus on safety and guidance means you’re in expert hands, and the small group setting ensures a more intimate, tailored experience. And who wouldn’t appreciate the chance to explore the only shipwreck in Puerto Morelos? On the flip side, if you’re not certified or prone to claustrophobia, this tour might not be suitable.

This tour suits both seasoned divers looking for a new wreck to explore and beginners with their certification. It’s especially ideal if you want a short, manageable window of underwater fun during a larger trip around Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this tour offers and why it could be the highlight of your vacation.

Good To Know

• Authentic Shipwreck Exploration: The C-56 Juan Escutia is the only wreck in Puerto Morelos and offers a unique glimpse into maritime history.
• Two-Dive Experience: Combines a wreck exploration with a relaxing reef dive teeming with marine life.
• All Equipment Provided: No need to bring your own gear; wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tanks, and masks are included.
• Safety and Guidance: Dive plans, safety procedures, and marine info are covered with attentive guides.
• Flexible Scheduling: Usually available in the morning and afternoon, with options to reserve and pay later.
• Limited Group Size: Ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe during your underwater adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Meeting at Dive Center Scuba Kraken

Your adventure begins at the Dive Center Scuba Kraken—a conveniently located shop recognizable by its umbrella roof, making it easy to find. Here, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork and try on rental gear, ensuring everything fits comfortably. This initial step is essential; proper gear fit translates directly into comfort and safety underwater.

Pre-Dive Briefing and Safety Protocols

Once gear is sorted, your guides will provide a comprehensive safety briefing. Expect to learn about your dive plan, hand signals, what to do if you experience discomfort, and details about the C-56 Juan Escutia shipwreck and marine surroundings. This is where guides like Paulo or Luis might share their insights, making sure everyone is on the same page before heading out.

The Boat Ride to the Wreck

The boat ride to the wreck takes approximately 15-20 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy views of Puerto Morelos and chat with fellow divers. The boat itself is typically equipped for a small group, which means less waiting and more time in the water once you arrive.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

First Dive: Exploring the Wreck

The highlight for many is the exploration of the C-56 Juan Escutia, a historic shipwreck. Described as the only wreck in town, it offers multiple accessible areas, including the wheelhouse and other parts that are safe to explore. Reviewers mention that guides are attentive, ensuring you discover the best spots while maintaining safety.

Expect to spend around 30 minutes underwater at the wreck, following your guide to see the wreck’s structure and marine inhabitants. One reviewer noted, “exploring the wreck was fascinating; we saw fish darting inside and appreciated the detailed guidance from the crew.”

Surface Interval and Reef Second Dive

After surfacing, you’ll have a chance to rest, discuss the experience, and prepare for your second dive—this time at a shallow water reef. The reef is described as teeming with marine life, making it ideal for photography and relaxed exploration. With a maximum of 45-minute bottom time for this second dive, you’ll have plenty of time to observe colorful fish, corals, and other marine creatures.

Return to the Dive Shop

Post-dive, you’ll head back to the shop, where you can review your logbook, discuss your favorite moments, and perhaps even purchase photos of your underwater adventure (if available). The entire experience is designed to be around 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Unique Shipwreck: C-56 Juan Escutia

Being the only shipwreck in Puerto Morelos, the C-56 Juan Escutia offers a rare glimpse into maritime history without the need to travel hours from port. It’s accessible enough for those with open-water certification and provides an interesting dive site with remnants of a real shipwreck to explore.

Marine Life and Reef Diversity

The second dive features a vibrant shallow reef that’s perfect for observing marine biodiversity. Reviewers have highlighted the abundance of marine creatures, including colorful fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles, making it a rewarding experience for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Expert Guidance and Safety

Guides like those at Scuba Kraken are praised for their attentiveness and professionalism. They ensure divers are comfortable and fully briefed, which is crucial, especially for those new to wreck or reef diving. The emphasis on safety procedures, combined with small group sizes, creates a relaxed, enjoyable environment.

Equipment and Logistics

All gear is provided, saving travelers from the hassle of packing or renting locally. The boat ride is short and scenic, and the flexible schedule allows for both morning and afternoon slots. Plus, the reserve-and-pay-later option adds flexibility for travelers planning ahead.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Price: Is It Worth It?

At $158 per person, this tour offers good value considering all equipment, guidance, and the boat trip are included. When you factor in the chance to explore a historic wreck plus a beautiful reef in just 4 hours, it’s a convenient and affordable way to tick two must-see sites off your list.

The Dive Conditions and Requirements

Participants need to have diving certification, such as Open Water, and should be comfortable with basic diving skills. The average bottom time for the first dive is about 30 minutes, with the second dive allowing up to 45 minutes. The maximum depth isn’t specified but given the shallow reef, expect to stay within recreational limits.

Reviewers mention that guides are good at adjusting plans based on experience levels, making this a safe choice for certified divers. However, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, those with respiratory issues, or anyone afraid of confined spaces or underwater environments.

The Experience of the Guides

While not explicitly named, reviews suggest guides like Paulo or Luis go above and beyond, sharing insights about the wreck’s history and marine life, making the experience both educational and fun. One reviewer wrote, “they pointed out every interesting detail, making it a truly memorable dive.”

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring your waterproof camera to capture the colorful scenes, and don’t forget a towel and sunscreen for after your activity. A dive log is useful for recording your experience, especially if you’re planning more dives in the area.

Since sunscreen can harm marine environments, the tour emphasizes not wearing sunscreen during the dive. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, for safety reasons.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for certified divers wanting a manageable half-day experience. It’s great for those interested in history, wildlife, or simply exploring underwater sites without committing to multiple days of diving. The combination of a wreck and a reef offers variety, satisfying both adventure seekers and casual explorers alike.

Travelers who appreciate guided, small-group experiences will find this especially enjoyable. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a well-organized, educational, and scenic underwater outing, with professional guides ensuring safety and fun.

The Sum Up

This Puerto Morelos Shipwreck and Reef Tour packs a lot into a short window, making it a fantastic option for anyone with a diving certification eager to explore the area’s underwater highlights. The inclusion of all gear, guided support, and a chance to see both a historic wreck and vibrant reef make it a compelling value.

Whether you’re interested in history, marine biodiversity, or just a safe, well-organized adventure, this tour offers a memorable experience that fits neatly into a day’s itinerary. It’s especially suited for confident divers who want a taste of both wreck exploration and reef relaxation without the need for multiple bookings.

In a nutshell, this experience combines adventure, education, and natural beauty—an excellent way to make the most of your time in Puerto Morelos.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified to join this tour?
Yes, certification is required, such as an Open Water or equivalent, because the tour involves a wreck dive and reef dive.

How long is the entire tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including briefing, boat trip, two dives, and post-dive discussions.

Are all equipment and gear provided?
Yes, all necessary gear including wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tanks, and masks are included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
It’s suitable for certified divers comfortable with basic diving skills. Non-certified divers or non-swimmers should consider other experiences.

Can I take photos during the dives?
While pictures are not included, travelers often bring waterproof cameras to capture underwater moments.

What does the second dive involve?
The second dive is at a shallow reef, offering excellent opportunities to observe marine life and take photos in calm waters.

What should I bring?
Bring your dive log, swimwear, towel, sunscreen (applied before the dive), waterproof camera, and certification card.

By choosing this tour, you’re signing up for a balanced, engaging, and safe underwater experience that highlights the unique maritime history and lively marine ecosystems of Puerto Morelos.

You can check if your dates are available here: