Dive· Isla Espíritu Santo· Mexico
Fang Ming Wreck
24° 26.6′ N · 110° 22.9′ W · approximate
A 56 m Chinese ship seized after a 1990s people-smuggling attempt and scuttled on November 18, 1999 as Latin America's first artificial reef, now lying off El Empachado on Espíritu Santo's south-west coast - coated in sponges and swarming with fish.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: read off the georeferenced artificial-reef map (page 23) of the CONANP Espíritu Santo park rules compendium hosted by Club Cruceros, which places Fang Ming off El Empachado, south of La Gallina islet, with the C-59 Francisco Márquez wreck about 0.6 km SE (map-derived 24.4387 N, 110.3768 W) and Lapas 03 farther north near Isla Ballena; the same map reproduces the verified Isla Gallo position to within about 100 m. Dive operators describe the site loosely as 'near Isla Ballena'. Depth figures vary: about 70 ft (Cortez Club), 20-22 m depending on tide (La Paz Divers), 18-27 m (Cantamar). Fang Ming 56 m, Lapas 03 36 m (Cortez Club); both prepared for penetration by trained wreck divers. Sheltered by the island from most winds and swells. Artificial-reef subzone: small-boat anchorage allowed, large-boat anchorage and all fishing prohibited. Fish, rays, turtles, occasional bull shark. Inside Archipiélago Espíritu Santo National Park: every person aboard needs the daily CONANP bracelet (225 MXN/person/day on the CONANP page) or an annual Conservation Passport.
Best for
Wreck dive
Nearby
- Bahía San Gabriel Lagoon and Frigatebird Rookery0.6 NM away
- Ensenada La Gallina (Isla Espíritu Santo)1.1 NM away
- Bahía San Gabriel (Isla Espíritu Santo)1.4 NM away
- Caleta El Gallo1.4 NM away
- Isla Gallo and Gallina Snorkel1.4 NM away
- San Gabriel Pearl Farm Ruins1.8 NM away
- Ensenada de la Ballena1.9 NM away
- Lapas 03 Wreck2 NM away