C-58 Is a ship with a long history.  In WWII the USS Herlequin (AM-365) was a minesweeper for the US Navy.  In 1946 the US Navy decommissioned the USS Harlequin and placed it in reserve.  In 1962 the Mexican Navy purchased the ship and renamed her the ARM SM-20.  The Ship was used for many different activities and renamed several times over the years.  Finally, in May of 2000, the Mexican Government sunk the ship off the coast of Cancun to create an artificial reef and dive spot.

 

C-58 is located at 26 meters about a 40 minute boat ride from Isla Mujeres. This is a dive for Advanced Divers due to depth and current.  The C-58 is a drift dive, and there is not always a descent line to the wreck. This means that all divers must enter the water at the same time and descend together.  For this reason, they keep the groups small with only 4 to 5 divers per dive lead. Once down at the bottom there is a whole world to explore.

 

In 2005 during Hurricane Wilma, the C-58 broke into 2 pieces.  This now allows divers to penetrate part of the wreck due to the large opening and swim throughs.  This is also one of two locations you can dive during the end of November through February, and see the Eagle Ray Migration. Kneel in the sand at the bottom and look up to see them “fly” in groups above you.  It is also an excellent site to see large Grouper, Barracuda, and Moray Eels.  This is where you are able to see the larger marine species. However, you can still see some of the small species and maybe a crab or two hiding inside one of the two pieces.

 

Due to the depth of C-58, this dive site is for Certified Advanced divers 15 and older.  Junior Advanced Divers will need to wait until they are at least 15 to attempt this dive.  If you do only have your Open Water Certification, there are ways to still be able to see this amazing site.  Just let us know some more about your diving experience and we can help you choose the best option.