Cancun: Shipwreck and Reef Dives

Planning a trip to Cancun and eager to explore beyond the typical beaches? If you’re a certified diver looking for a mix of history and underwater beauty, the Shipwreck and Reef Dives tour from My Deep Life offers a compelling option. This 4-hour experience combines exploring WWII wrecks with vibrant coral reefs, providing a balanced mix of adventure, history, and marine life.

What truly sets this tour apart are the well-informed guides, the small group sizes, and the excellent diving equipment. The cost of $132 per person is reasonable considering two dives, transportation, and equipment are included. However, the experience is geared toward advanced open water divers due to the depth involved, which is an important consideration if you’re newer to diving.

This experience is perfect for those who love history, are eager to see marine creatures like barracudas and groupers, and want a more immersive, slightly challenging underwater adventure. If you’re comfortable with deeper waters and want the thrill of exploring wrecks while encountering pelagic species, this tour will hit the mark.

Good To Know

• Historical fascination: Dive on WWII wrecks C-55 and C-58, impacted by a 2005 hurricane.
• Marine encounters: Expect to see barracudas, groupers, moray eels, and during winter, majestic Eagle rays.
• Advanced experience: The dives reach depths of up to 85 feet, suitable for certified advanced divers.
• Small group intimacy: Guided by knowledgeable instructors with groups of just 2 to 4 divers.
• All gear included: Top-notch equipment, water on board, and seamless transportation from the Cancun hotel zone.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead or reserve now and pay later.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Detailed Review of Cancun’s Shipwreck and Reef Dives

The Setting: Cancun’s Underwater Treasure Chest

Cancun is more than just a party town and sunny beaches; beneath the surface lies a fascinating world of wrecks and reefs. This tour takes you to two iconic WWII shipwrecks, C-55 and C-58, which sank during the war and later became artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Both wrecks suffered damage during Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but their broken hulls now host an array of sea creatures and serve as a fascinating glimpse of underwater history.

Along With exploring the wrecks, the tour ventures into Cancun’s second reef, with an average depth of 55 feet. This reef system creates a vibrant, bustling habitat for countless fish and invertebrates, making each dive visually stunning and lively.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel within the Cancun hotel zone, a simple process that takes the stress out of transportation. The journey to the dive site typically takes around 30 minutes, giving you a chance to chat with guides who are eager to share insights about the wrecks and marine environment.

Once at the dive site, you’ll gear up with top-of-the-line equipment, including BCDs, regulators, fins, and masks — all provided and well-maintained. Small groups—no more than four divers per instructor—mean you get personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

The first dive usually focuses on the wreck of C-55, where you can choose to penetrate inside if you’re an advanced diver. Many reviews mention the thrill of navigating through the wreck’s three levels, which is a rare opportunity in the Cancun area. Expect to see fish hiding in crevices, lobsters scuttling about, and a backdrop of coral encrusted steel.

The second dive takes you to the reef, where the focus shifts to marine life. Here, the sights include schools of colorful fish, barracudas that cruise past, and possibly the majestic Eagle rays if you’re diving during the winter months. The reef offers a chance to relax and enjoy the underwater landscape, with plenty of sea life to observe in their natural habitat.

Marine Life and Sightings: What Makes It Special

The variety of marine animals you encounter is one of the tour’s highlights. Barracudas are often seen patrolling the wrecks’ perimeters, looking for smaller fish. Groupers tend to be curious and approachable, often hovering near the wrecks or reef walls. Moray eels peek out of rocks and crevices, adding a mysterious element to your underwater exploration.

In winter, Eagle rays make a spectacular appearance, gliding gracefully over the wrecks and reef, creating a breathtaking scene that reviewers describe as “something out of a movie.” Lobsters are also common around the wrecks, hiding among the rubble and coral. This diversity makes each dive a visual feast and a fantastic opportunity for underwater photography.

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The Equipment and Guides: Why They Matter

All diving equipment is included, with high-quality gear that keeps you comfortable and safe. Many reviewers appreciate the well-maintained equipment and the small-group format, which allows guides to give individualized tips and ensure safety.

The guides, who speak Spanish, are experienced and knowledgeable, offering insights into the wrecks’ history and marine ecology. Several reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, mentioning that they went out of their way to make sure everyone felt confident and comfortable, especially considering the depth of the dives.

The Depth and Skill Level

With dives reaching a maximum of 85 feet, this experience is tailored for advanced open water divers. The depth allows for more exploration but can be challenging for beginners. The tour description emphasizes the importance of certification, and reviews confirm that the guided experience is well paced for more experienced divers.

For those who are new to deeper diving, it’s worth noting that penetrating the wrecks involves navigating through three levels, which requires good buoyancy control and comfort with enclosed spaces. But if you’re comfortable at depth and have some wreck experience, this tour offers a rewarding adventure.

Transportation and Overall Value

The inclusion of round-trip transportation from any hotel in the Cancun hotel zone simplifies logistics and adds value to the package. For those staying outside the zone, additional transportation from Playa Mujeres or Playa del Carmen is available for a small extra fee.

At $132, the overall cost covers two dives, all equipment, water, and transport. Compared to similar tours in the area, the price offers good value, especially considering the small groups and the quality of the equipment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for certified advanced divers eager to explore WWII wrecks and vibrant reefs in Cancun. It’s perfect for those interested in history, marine photography, or simply seeking a more challenging, intimate diving experience. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for travelers who prefer personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re new to diving, especially at depths over 55 feet, you’ll want to ensure your certification is current. Those who love marine life and are comfortable with advanced diving conditions will find this tour both exciting and rewarding.

The Sum Up

The Cancun Shipwreck and Reef Dives tour offers a well-rounded experience for divers seeking a combination of history, marine diversity, and adventure. The access to WWII wrecks, combined with encounters with barracudas, groupers, and eagle rays, makes it a compelling pick for certified divers. Small group sizes and experienced guides enhance the experience, making it both safe and personal.

While the depth and technical aspects might be limiting for beginners, those with the right certification will find this tour a highlight of their Cancun visit. The inclusion of quality equipment and transportation ensures a hassle-free day, allowing you to focus on the underwater sights.

This tour provides a meaningful blend of exploration, education, and marine encounters, perfect for travelers who want to add a touch of history to their underwater adventures.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Two dives, shipwreck and reef exploration, complete diving equipment (BCD, regs, fins, mask), water on board, and round-trip transportation from Cancun hotel zone are included.

Is this suitable for beginners?
No, the maximum depth of 85 feet and the option to penetrate wrecks make this suitable for advanced open water divers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language are the guides?
Guides speak Spanish, so some knowledge of Spanish might be helpful, although instructions are clear.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including transportation and diving.

Are additional pickup options available?
Yes, transportation from Playa Mujeres or Playa del Carmen is available for a small extra fee.

What marine life can I expect to see?
Barracudas, groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and in winter, Eagles rays are common sightings.

What’s the condition of the wrecks?
The wrecks were impacted by a hurricane in 2005, but are now encrusted with coral and serve as vibrant habitats.

How many divers are in each group?
Small groups of 2 to 4 divers per instructor ensure personalized attention.

Is the tour suitable for deep-sea explorers?
Yes, the dives reach up to 85 feet, making it perfect for those comfortable with advanced depth levels.

In sum, if you’re an advanced diver craving a mix of WWII history and lively marine encounters, this tour blends all that with professional guidance and good value. Just remember, it’s best suited for those comfortable with deeper waters and wreck exploration, but for the right adventurers, it’s an underwater highlight in Cancun.

You can check if your dates are available here: