Dive· Banco Chinchorro· Mexico
Chinchorro Wrecks (40 Cannons)
18° 35.2′ N · 87° 19.2′ W · approximate
Chinchorro's reef has claimed ships for five centuries: 69 archaeological wreck sites from the 16th to 20th centuries, including the '40 Cannons' site where a galleon's guns lie scattered on the reef.
Practical
Coordinate is the atoll centre (Wikipedia) - wreck positions are protected archaeological sites and are not published. El Universal counts 69 archaeological sites; México Desconocido reports 18 galleons located and big freighters stranded on the barrier reef. Named steel wrecks include SS Caldera, Escasell, Far Star, Ginger Screw, Glen View, Penelopez, San Andreas and Tropic, plus a Cozumel ferry thrown onto the reef by Hurricane Wilma (2005). Dive only with authorised operators (XTC from Xcalak, Amigos del Mar from Majahual) and keep a respectful distance from the wrecks (El Universal cites a 10 m rule).
Best for
History-rich wreck diving on a licensed trip
Nearby
- Banco Chinchorro Biosphere ReserveRight here
- Lobster and Conch Closed Seasons (Banco Chinchorro)Right here
- Cayo Centro (Banco Chinchorro)0.8 NM away
- Chinchorro American Crocodiles0.8 NM away
- Frigatebird Nesting at Cayo Centro0.8 NM away
- Cayo Centro Fish-Camp Walk (Banco Chinchorro)1.4 NM away
- Cayo Centro Anchorage (Banco Chinchorro)1.7 NM away
- Cayo Norte Anchorage (Banco Chinchorro)9.8 NM away