About La Paz 03 Wreck
The C-59 Wreck is an artificial reef located near La Paz, Mexico, gifted by the American military to the Mexican government. This vessel was intentionally prepared and scuttled to create a vibrant underwater habitat, offering a unique wreck diving experience in the Sea of Cortez. Positioned at a depth of approximately 18 meters (60 feet) to 21 meters (70 feet), the C-59 provides opportunities for penetration for divers with appropriate certifications. Its structure allows for safe exploration, including crossing the boat from bow to stern through various sections. The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting marine life and showcasing intricate formations within its holds. While the C-59 Wreck may not boast the same density of fish life as natural reefs, it hosts a variety of fish and invertebrates. It offers excellent short swim-throughs for exploration. The site is a popular spot for divers seeking to explore a prepared wreck and observe the smaller marine inhabitants that have made it their home. General diving conditions in La Paz can involve strong currents, making this a site that requires attention to conditions. Visibility at the C-59 Wreck typically ranges from 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), with water temperatures around 25.5°C (78°F). It is suitable for Open Water certified divers to explore the exterior, with advanced certifications recommended for internal penetration.
Highlights
Season calendar
Nov – Apr (Peak)
Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.
May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)
Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.
Dive site facts: La Paz 03 Wreck
- Depth
- 18–21 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Wreck, Reef
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 24.3547° N, 110.3341° W
Conditions & Currents
While La Paz is generally known for strong currents, the C-59 Wreck often experiences minimal to no current, making it a relatively calm dive compared to other local sites. Visibility at the wreck usually falls between 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), providing clear views of the structure. Water temperatures hover around 25.5°C (78°F), allowing for comfortable diving. This site is typically dived as a stationary exploration, with divers able to comfortably navigate the wreck's exterior and interior. Entry is usually straightforward, and the lack of strong currents minimizes the need for specialized entry techniques, making it accessible for certified divers.
Why dive La Paz 03 Wreck from a liveaboard?
La Paz 03 Wreck is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and typically offers several guided dives per day (the exact number depends on the vessel and itinerary), including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Liveaboards diving La Paz 03 Wreck
These liveaboards may visit La Paz 03 Wreck on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer
Mexico

Valentina
Mexico

Rocio del Mar
Mexico

Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico

Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico

Quino del Mar
Mexico

Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
Dive sites similar to La Paz 03 Wreck
Agustín Melgar shipwreck
Mexico
The Agustín Melgar, also known as the C-54, is a 56-meter (185-foot) former minesweeper that rests on a sandy bottom at 24 meters (80 feet) south of Puerto Escondido within the Loreto Bay National Park.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 12–24 m
- Theme
- Wreck
Arco Iris, or "Rainbow" in Spanish, is a prominent dive site located near Brumel Island (Penahuaste), approximately 8km north of Playa Potrero in Costa Rica.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 9–30 m
- Theme
- Reef
Bahía de La Paz
Mexico
Bahía de La Paz serves as the capital of Baja California Sur and the primary gateway to the Sea of Cortez, a region famously dubbed the "world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau due to its exceptional biodiversity.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 17–27 m
- Theme
- Big animals / Reef
Bahía de los Ángeles
Mexico
Bahía de los Ángeles, nestled in the northern Sea of Cortez, is a remarkable dive destination primarily known for its seasonal aggregations of whale sharks.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 3–15 m
- Theme
- Reef
Bajo Alcyone
Costa Rica
Bajo Alcyone, a submerged seamount near Cocos Island, stands as a world-renowned dive site.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 25–40 m
- Theme
- Drift / Seamount
Bajo de la Ballena
Mexico
El Bajo, often referred to as Bajo de la Ballena, is a prominent seamount situated approximately eight miles northeast of La Paz, Mexico.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 18–35 m
- Theme
- Pinnacle