Wreck Dives from La Paz

Wreck diving is a thrilling and exciting experience that allows divers to explore sunken vessels and other underwater structures. One of the best places to go wreck diving is not far out of La Paz, Baja Sur California. With its clear waters, diverse marine life, and numerous wreck sites, La Paz is a popular destination for wreck diving enthusiasts.
La Paz is located on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, facing the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to over 900 species of fish and more than 30 species of marine mammals. The warm waters and abundant marine life make La Paz a prime location for diving, including wreck diving.

There are several wreck sites near La Paz that are accessible to divers of varying skill levels. Unlike many other wreck dive sites, these locations are not crowded. One such wreck site is: The Salvatierra, is a cargo ship that sank in 1976. The ship now rests in 60-70 feet of water and is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and eels. The wreck is also known for its visibility, which can reach up to 100 feet.

Another significant wreck site is the Fang Ming, just off the coast of Isla Espiritu Santo. It was a large Chinese commercial fishing vessel that was intentionally sunk by the Mexican navy in 1999. The wreck is now home to schools of fish, rays, and even sea lions. The Fang Ming is in about 72 feet of water.

For experienced wreck divers, the El Bajito wreck is impressive. The El Bajito was a tuna boat that sank in 1996 and now sits in 120-130 feet of water. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, rays, and even sharks.

The C-59 is a former Mexican Navy gunboat that was intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef and dive site. The C-59 is 155-foot-long (47-meter) ship that sits upright on the sandy bottom at a depth of around 80 feet (24 meters). The wreck is now home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of fish, octopuses, and various species of rays.

The dive site is suitable for experienced divers, but not beginners, due to the depth and potential for strong currents. The dive usually starts at the bow of the ship, where divers can observe the anchor chain and the gun turret. The wreck is still relatively intact, and divers can explore the engine room, the bridge, and the crew quarters. The ship's hull is covered in colorful soft corals and sponges, and a variety of reef fish can be seen darting in and out of the nooks and crannies.