Wreck Trek Isla Mujeres: Dive the Top Shipwrecks of the Mexican Caribbean.
- Tracy Sharlene Gunn
- May 2
- 8 min read
Beneath the Blue: The Shipwrecks of Isla Mujeres - Big and Small
Discover the best shipwrecks around Isla Mujeres — from diving legendary naval vessels to shallow reef-covered ruins perfect for snorkelers.
Isla Mujeres is more than white-sand beaches and turquoise waters — it’s a wreck diver’s hidden paradise. Beneath the surface lies a collection of sunken stories: towering navy gunboats, haunting freighters, artistic artificial reefs, and mysterious local wrecks claimed by coral and time. Whether you're an experienced diver craving deep adventure or a snorkeler seeking calm, colourful sites, the island’s “Wreck Trek” offers something for every ocean lover.
Join us as we explore the best wreck dives and snorkel spots Isla Mujeres has to offer — including site history, marine life highlights, dive conditions, and insider tips from the Pocna Dive Center team.
1. C-58 - General Anaya (Patrol Boat)
Gunboat C-58, Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo Credit: Barefoot Wandering, Ana de Benito
History:
Originally the USS Harlequin, this World War II-era minesweeper was intentionally sunk by the Mexican Navy in the 1980s to create an artificial reef. It was later split into two large sections by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The stern offers fantastic penetration opportunities for certified divers – you’ll even find a bathroom still intact. From December to March, this site becomes a haven for spotted eagle rays, sometimes in the dozens. It's the most iconic wreck around Isla and a must for experienced divers.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~26 meters / 85 feet
Boat Ride: 25 min
Dive Type:
Deep
Drift - Frequent Strong Currents
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Advanced
Advanced, Experienced Diver
Recent diving experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 26 °C/ 79 °F
Dive Time: 25-30 minutes (safety stop required)
Marine Life: Eagle rays, jacks, groupers
Highlights: Two-part wreck, large structure, history-rich dive
💡 Did you know? This wreck lies along the eagle ray migration corridor. Peak sightings: December–March.
2. C-55 (Juan Escutia)
Gunboat C-55, Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo Credits: Barefoot Wandering, Malek B Prod
History:
Sister ship to the famed C-58, the C-55 is a former minesweeper turned artificial reef that now rests off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Though more compact in layout, she delivers an equally thrilling dive experience, especially for those who can handle her famously strong currents. Over time, storms have reduced it to smaller, scattered pieces, giving it a more chaotic, haunting appearance. From eagle rays gliding through the blue to moray eels hiding in crevices, the site is bursting with underwater drama. When the season is right, the eagle rays return in numbers, making this a highlight for advanced divers seeking that classic deep wreck vibe with a dose of wild beauty.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~22 meters / 72 feet
Boat Ride: 25 min
Dive Type:
Deep
Drift - Frequent Strong Currents
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Advanced
Advanced, Experienced Diver
Recent diving experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 26 °C/ 79 °F
Dive Time: 30-35 min (safety stop required)
Marine Life: Moray eels, barracuda, schooling grunts
Highlights: Intact hull in sections, smaller crowds
💡 Photographers' tip: Bring a wide-angle lens. The current clears the visibility nicely.
3. Chairel
Chairel, Isla Mujeres, Photo credits Denni Elgueta and Ana de Benito
History:
The Chairel was once a familiar sight above the waves, operating as a car ferry between Isla Mujeres and Cancun in the late 1980s. After years of faithful service, her journey didn’t end on land — she was intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. Now lying upside down at the bottom of the sea, the Chairel has transformed into an eerie yet inviting dive site, with broad swim-throughs and shadowy corridors now teeming with a diverse array of marine life.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~27 meters / 89 feet
Boat Ride: 30 min
Dive Type:
Drift -Strong Currents
Deep Dive
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Advanced
Advanced Open Water, Experienced Diver
Recent Dive Experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 26 °C/ 79°F
Dive Time: 30 - 35 min
Marine Life: Grunts, angelfish, barracuda
Highlights: Inverted wreck, easy penetration dives, wide swim-throughs
💡 We love this site because it is a beautiful wreck to photograph.
4. Ultra Freeze (El Frio)
Ultrafreeze, Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo credits Denni Elgueta
History:
The Ultrafreeze was once a large, hardworking freezer cargo ship that transported goods through the Caribbean. In the 1970s, a catastrophic onboard fire led to the deliberate sinking of the vessel to create an artificial reef. Today, her broken and scattered remains create an underwater maze that adventurous divers can weave through. Twisted metal, towering hull sections, and thick marine growth make the Ultrafreeze one of the most dramatic — and hauntingly beautiful — wreck dives in the area.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~29 meters / 96 feet
Boat Ride: 35 min
Dive Type:
Drift - Strong Currents
Deep Dive
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Advanced
Advanced Open Water, Experienced Diver
Recent Dive Experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 26 °C/ 79°F
Dive Time: 25 - 30 min (Safety Stop Required)
Marine Life: Large schools of snapper, turtles, eagle rays
Highlights: Towering structure, great for deep wreck photography
💡Not dived often due to conditions — a bucket list site when weather cooperates
5. Hondureño
History:
Once a hardworking shrimp boat flying under the Honduran flag, the Hondereño met her fate during the devastating Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Powerful winds and raging seas forced her beneath the waves, where she now rests upright on the seabed. Over time, the ocean claimed her, offering shelter to moray eels, snappers, amberjacks, and nurse sharks. Today, she stands as a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of life beneath the sea.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~ 21 meters / 70 feet
Boat Ride: 20-25 min
Dive Type:
Drift - Medium to Strong Current
Deep Dive
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Intermediate+
Advanced Open Water, Experienced Diver
Recent Dive Experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters/ 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 26 °C/ 79°F
Dive Time: 30-35 min (Safety Stop Required)
Marine Life: Moray eels, amberjacks, nurse sharks, snappers
Highlights: Upright position, photo-worthy silhouettes, rich biodiversity
💡 We love this site for its mix of history and marine life
⚓ Read more on Hondureño (coming)
6. El Pescador (Atlantis)
El Pescador, Atlantis, Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo Credit: Malek B Prod
History:
A tiny fishing boat near the Atlantis site. It’s not famous or dramatic — but it’s beautiful—a great dive for beginners and a lovely reminder that even small wrecks have big stories.
A small fishing boat, now resting at the Atlantis site. Simple, but teeming with life.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Depth: ~10 - 12 meters / 33- 40 feet
Boat Ride: 10-15 min
Dive Type:
Reef
Artificial Reef - Wreck,
Artificial Reef - Reef Balls
Experience Level: All levels and snorkelling.
Divers - Beginners, and all levels of certified divers
Average Visibility Underwater: 20-30 meters/ 66-99 feet
Average Water Temp: 28 °C/ 82°F
Dive Time: 45 min
Marine Life: Colourful reef fish, juveniles, lionfish
Highlights: Perfect training site, close to the reef. Shallow and suitable for beginners, El Pescador is an excellent introduction to wreck diving.
💡 We love this site because it's perfect for photography and fish watching, ideal for snorkelling and all diving levels
7. 1922 Turtle Fishing Boat Anchor and Chain (Punta Sur)
Anchor and Chain, Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo Credit: Malek B Prod
History:
This is one of the oldest wrecks around the island, having been sunk in the hurricane of 1922. The boat is long gone, but its anchor and chain still rest at Punta Sur, a silent witness to the island’s history of turtle fishing.
Scuba Diving only
Depth: ~10-16 meters / 33-52 feet
Boat Ride: 15 min
Dive Type:
Shallow Reef
Drift - Frequent Strong Currents
Artificial Reef - Wreck
Experience Level: Beginner+
Certified Divers
Recent diving experience
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 28 °C/ 82°F
Dive Time: 25-30 minutes (safety stop required)
Marine Life: Reef fish, corals
Highlights: Although the boat has long gone, its chain and anchor are still visible at Punta Sur, providing a tangible connection to maritime history.
💡 We love this site because seeing that old chain winding across the reef is humbling.
Unavailable at this time
8. Cubanitos (El Barco de Chinchorro)
History:
Nestled in the calm, shallow waters of Isla Mujeres Bay, this modest wreck has become a quiet refuge for snorkelers, beginner divers, and marine life alike, especially on days when rough weather closes the National Park. Officially known as El Barco de Chinchorro (The Fisherman’s Boat), we call it Cubanitos at our dive center.
Its exact origin remains a mystery. Some say it was once a small fishing or service vessel, but today it rests gently on the seabed, gradually becoming part of the reef. With its sheltered location and laid-back vibe, Cubanitos is the perfect place to build confidence, refine your skills, or enjoy a peaceful dive.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Depth: ~6 meters / 20 feet
Boat Ride: 5 min
Dive Type:
Calm Bay Area
Shallow, Sandy
Seagrass
Artificial Reef
Experience Level: Beginner
Perfect for mermaid and freediving training.
Ideal for training dives and beginners
Average Visibility Underwater: 20 meters / 65 feet
Average Water Temp: 28 °C/ 82°F
Dive Time: 25-30 minutes (safety stop required)
Marine Life: Blennies, crabs, seagrass species
Highlights: Touching modern history, ideal for practice dives
💡 Often paired with El Farito or snorkel tours.
🪸 Reef.org survey currently unavailable
⚓ More on Cubanitos. To come
Conclusion:
Isla Mujeres is a shipwreck lover’s dream — whether you’re hunting eagle rays on a deep drift dive or simply floating above a sunken fishing boat with a snorkel and a smile. With its rich history, diverse biodiversity, and thrilling adventures waiting at every site, there's something for every level of diver and explorer. For more detailed information on each site, please refer to our individual blog posts, which are linked above.
💬 Let’s Dive Together
📩 Want to dive one, or all of them? Contact us at Pocna Dive Center to plan your perfect wreck adventure. And don’t forget to download our Wreck Trek Passport to track your dives and earn exclusive underwater perks!
📩 Message us to book a wreck tour or ask about certifications — we’re always happy to chat diving!
Tracy Gunn is the founder and owner of Pocna Dive Center on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. A former banker turned adventurer, Tracy left a decade-long corporate career to pursue her passion for diving and island life. With over 35 years of diving experience and 24 years of living on Isla Mujeres, she now serves as a PADI Course Director, training the next generation of divers at her dive school. When she’s not underwater, Tracy shares her love for the island and the ocean through engaging blogs about diving, marine life, and the culture of Isla Mujeres.
Interested in reading more from this author?
Blogs about Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Recreational Scuba Diving: click here
Blogs about Instructor Development Courses and Professional Scuba Diving: click here
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