C-55 JUAN DE LA BARRERA
Dive into Adventure: Discover the
C-55 Shipwreck in Cancun
The Journey to C-55 Shipwreck
An Unforgettable Dive Site Awaits
Just 6 miles southwest of Isla Mujeres lies one of the most exhilarating dive sites in the Cancun area: the C-55 Shipwreck. This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from cancun, heading southwest towards the sunken vessel. The journey itself is a delightful prelude to the dive, with stunning ocean views setting the stage for the underwater exploration .
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The Sinking of the C-55
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In May 2000, former Mexican President Zedillo (a passionate diver ) and the Mexican government intentionally sank the C-55 to create an artificial reef, providing an alternative dive site and relieving pressure on the natural reefs within the National Marine Park. Resting at a depth 80 feet, the C-55 has since become a thriving habitat for a diverse array of marine life. Schools of barracudas, groupers, snappers, eagle rays, and green moray eels now call this shipwreck home, offering divers an extraordinary underwater spectacle.​
The Rich History of the C-55 Shipwreck
From USS Ransom to ARM Teniente Juan de la Barrera
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The C-55, originally the USS Ransom (AM-283), is an Admirable-class minesweeper built in San Francisco for the United States Navy during World War II. Launched in 1943, the USS Ransom saw action in the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor and various small islands in the South Pacific. Its storied service includes rescuing sailors and engaging with kamikaze bombers, earning three battle stars for its valor.
After the war, the USS Ransom served in the East China Sea and around Japan, including Okinawa, Nagasaki, and Bungo. Decommissioned and placed in reserve in 1947, it was briefly recommissioned during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 but saw no combat. The ship was reclassified as MSF-283 in 1955 while in reserve.
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The Ship’s Journey to Mexico
In 1962, the Mexican Navy acquired the vessel, renaming it ARM DM-12. In 1994, it was further renamed ARM Teniente Juan de la Barrera (C-55) after a Mexican war hero from the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847. The Mexican government deliberately sunk the ship in 2000 off the coast of Cancun to serve as an artificial reef.
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Hurricane Wilma’s Impact
Hurricane Wilma struck the Cancun and Isla Mujeres area in 2005, causing significant damage to the C-55 and breaking the hull into four sections. This transformation created new opportunities for divers to explore the wreck's interior, with larger openings and swim-throughs now accessible. The split structure offers a unique and challenging diving experience, providing deeper interaction with the underwater environment.
Diving the C-55 Shipwreck
A Dive for the Experienced
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The C-55 Shipwreck is renowned as one of the more advanced dive sites around Isla Mujeres. For this Wreck Diving, divers need to be confident and experienced due to the strong currents and deeper depths of the site. The dive typically involves navigating powerful currents, making it suitable only for Advanced open water and certified Wreck Speciality divers
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Marine Life Encounters
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Surrounding the shipwreck is a beautiful expanse of white sand, where divers can observe the main engine, now home to a large green moray eel. The wreck attracts an array of impressive marine life, including spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and loggerhead turtles. During the winter months, from December to March, divers can witness the spectacular migration of spotted eagle rays, sometimes seeing up to 58 rays ( what i personally saw ) gliding gracefully through the water.
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Additional Highlights
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As you make your way to the dive site, keep an eye out for surfacing turtles,flying fishes and ocasionally pods of dolphins, which accompany the boat journey. The C-55 Shipwreck offers a fantastic diving experience year-round, with the peak season providing even more abundant marine life encounters.
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Dive Details and Requirements
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Depth: 25 meters (82 feet)
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Required Experience Level: Open Water Certified Diver or +
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Average Underwater Visibility: 60 feet
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Average Water Temperature: 77º to 80 Fº
Conclusion
The C-55 Shipwreck off the coast of Cancun is a dive site that combines history, adventure, and marine biodiversity. From its origins as a World War II minesweeper to its current role as an artificial reef, the C-55 and also the C-58 Anaya offers unparalleled diving experiences. Whether you're drawn by the historical significance, the thrill of exploring a sunken vessel, or the chance to encounter fascinating marine life, the C-55 promises an unforgettable dive.
Plan your dive with Scuba Total and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant marine ecosystem of Cancun's C-55 Shipwreck. Dive into the depths and discover the wonders that await beneath the waves.
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