Dive Site: Agustín Melgar shipwreck

About Agustín Melgar shipwreck

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. Sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef, this vessel has since become the central Gulf's marquee structure dive, offering a unique blend of historical exploration and vibrant marine encounters. Its well-prepared structure allows for easy penetration and numerous swim-throughs. The wreck's upper deck lies at a depth of 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), making it accessible to a range of divers. The structure is adorned with hard and soft corals, sponges, and anemones that have flourished over two decades. The surrounding waters are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring protection for the diverse ecosystem it supports. From September through May, playful California sea lions are active in nearby sites and occasionally cruise through, while the wreck itself is home to schools of jacks, snappers, and groupers patrolling its decks. Moray eels are commonly found tucked into the railings and crevices. Visibility around the wreck typically ranges from 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), with mild currents enhancing the drift potential without posing significant challenges. Diving the Agustín Melgar offers an easy and relaxing experience, making it an ideal introduction to wreck diving in the southern Sea of Cortez. The site combines fascinating maritime history with abundant marine life, providing an immersive experience for those exploring the "Aquarium of the World."

Dive site facts: Agustín Melgar shipwreck

Depth

12–24 m (40–80 ft)

Current

Mild

Visibility

12–18 m (40–60 ft)

Water temperature

18–29 °C (64–85 °F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef

Region / port

Loreto, Baja California Sur

Coordinates

25.8672, -111.3121

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Agustín Melgar wreck are typically mild, making for a comfortable and relaxing dive. This allows for leisurely exploration of the wreck's exterior and interior without significant effort. Visibility around the C-54 usually ranges from 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), providing clear views of the structure and its marine inhabitants. Water temperatures vary seasonally, reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29°C) in summer, with a thermocline dropping into the 70s Fahrenheit (around 21°C) at depths of 27 meters (90 feet). These conditions mean divers can often use thinner wetsuits. The dive is usually conducted from a boat, with the mild currents often aiding in a gentle drift along the wreck. Divers should be mindful of their air consumption and bottom time due to the depth of the wreck.

Marine life & sighting chances

Bigeye trevally

common

Snapper

common

Grouper

common

Moray eel

common

Sea fan

common

Black coral

occasional

California sea lion

occasional

Angel shark

Summer and fall · occasional

Guitarfish

Summer and fall · occasional

Torpedo ray

Summer and fall · occasional

Electric ray

Summer and fall · occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive begins with a boat entry, usually a short ride from Marina Puerto Escondido, placing you directly over the C-54 Agustín Melgar wreck. Descend to the upper deck, which sits at 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet), allowing ample time to explore the main structure. The wreck rests upright on a sandy bottom at 24 meters (80 feet), providing a clear orientation. You'll navigate through large penetration openings and various swim-throughs, which are safe and designed for divers without specialized wreck training. Explore the interior corridors where schooling jacks and snappers often congregate, and keep an eye out for groupers on the deck and moray eels in the railings. The dive typically involves a circular or linear route around and through the vessel, with the turn point determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits. Your safety stop will be performed in the clear, blue waters above the wreck, often observing nearby reef fish.

Underwater photography

The Agustín Melgar wreck offers compelling subjects for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the overall structure and schooling fish, a wide-angle lens (e.g., 10-24mm or fisheye) is ideal, capturing the scale of the 56-meter vessel and its encrusting corals. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the gorgonians, sponges, and anemones that adorn the wreck, especially in deeper sections where natural light diminishes. For interior shots and marine life within the wreck, a compact camera or a wide-angle setup with video lights can illuminate darker areas. Close-up shots of moray eels, nudibranchs, and smaller reef fish living on the wreck will benefit from a macro lens. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing silt inside the wreck and to protect the delicate marine growth. Be patient with schooling fish, waiting for them to position themselves favorably for your composition.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• La Lobera

  A wall and cavern system on Isla Coronado with California sea lions.

• Las Tijeretas

  A sheltered site on Isla Coronado with a mini-wall, macro life, and occasional sea lions.

• Piedra Blanca

  Known for drift diving and mobula ray encounters in late spring/early summer.

• Los Islotes

  Famed for its large, playful California sea lion colony near La Paz.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Agustín Melgar typically originates from Loreto, Baja California Sur, a quaint beach town with its own airport (Loreto International Airport - LTO), which receives flights via Mexico City or Guadalajara. Most dive trips are day boat excursions out of Marina Loreto, reached by local dive operators such as Blue Nation Baja. The site is located off Isla Danzante, south of Puerto Escondido, making for relatively short boat rides. Dive packages usually involve a marine park bracelet, covering access to the Bahía de Loreto National Park. Loreto offers a variety of accommodations within walking distance of the marina. It is common to combine wreck diving with explorations of nearby islands like Isla Coronado and Isla del Carmen, known for their walls, sea lion colonies, and diverse reef systems. Trips can range from single-day excursions to multi-day dive packages.

Safety & environment

Loreto is a well-established diving destination, but divers should always carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers recompression chamber treatment and medical evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber facilities would likely be found in larger cities like La Paz. For the Agustín Melgar wreck, while penetrations are described as easy, divers should be Advanced certified and possess good buoyancy control to avoid stirring up silt, which can significantly reduce visibility and disorient divers, particularly within confined spaces. Always dive with a reputable operator and a guide who is familiar with the wreck. Be mindful of potential thermoclines at deeper depths, which can cause sudden temperature drops. Maintain situational awareness regarding mild currents, ensuring you are comfortable with potential drift, though the site is generally calm. Emergency protocols should be clearly communicated by your dive operator before each dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Agustín Melgar shipwreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Agustín Melgar shipwreck

These liveaboards may visit Agustín Melgar shipwreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$230/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$323/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day