JACKSONVILLE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Descending the C-56: WWII Shipwreck and Shallow Reef — Two-Tank Dive off Jacksonville
A four-hour, two-tank dive that visits the scuttled C-56 minesweeper (max 90 ft) followed by a vibrant shallow coral reef—essential guidance for certified Advanced Open Water divers.
Descending the C-56: WWII Shipwreck and Shallow Reef — Two-Tank Dive off Jacksonville.
Dive into the C-56 JUAN ESCUTIA, a WWII-era minesweeper scuttled and transformed into a living artificial reef, then follow with a second, shallower tank on a coral-encrusted reef alive with rays, baitfish and barracuda—an intense, compact outing that pairs wreck exploration with reef immersion.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
C-56 JUAN ESCUTIA — A WWII Minesweeper Reborn
This former US Navy minesweeper was donated and scuttled in 2000; now sitting to a maximum depth of 90 ft (27 m), the hull is fully encrusted in corals and offers penetrating sights for experienced divers.
Regular Sightings: Rays, Barracuda and More
Expect encounters with spotted eagle rays and stingrays, schools of baitfish and barracuda, and occasional sightings of the resident green moray eel—wildlife that animates both wreck and reef dives.
Vivid Shallow Reef — A Colorful Counterpoint
After exploring the deeper wreck, the second dive visits a vibrant coral reef with a maximum depth of about 50 ft (15 m), offering broad coral growth and shallower swim-throughs.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Tank Day Feels Like
The outing compresses a focused wreck exploration with a secondary reef dive into a four-hour program: an initial descent to the C-56 for structural and macro interest at depths down to 90 ft, followed by a shallower, more luminous reef dive—an efficient run that maximizes underwater variety for certified divers.
THE WRECK
C-56 JUAN ESCUTIA — A WWII Minesweeper Reborn
This former US Navy minesweeper was donated and scuttled in 2000; now sitting to a maximum depth of 90 ft (27 m), the hull is fully encrusted in corals and offers penetrating sights for experienced divers.
THE WILDLIFE
Regular Sightings: Rays, Barracuda and More
Expect encounters with spotted eagle rays and stingrays, schools of baitfish and barracuda, and occasional sightings of the resident green moray eel—wildlife that animates both wreck and reef dives.
THE SECOND TANK
Vivid Shallow Reef — A Colorful Counterpoint
After exploring the deeper wreck, the second dive visits a vibrant coral reef with a maximum depth of about 50 ft (15 m), offering broad coral growth and shallower swim-throughs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring proof of scuba certification, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a shirt/cover-up for the boat.
There is a $7 dock fee to pay in addition to the dive rate.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The program lasts approximately 4 hours.
How much does it cost?
The diver rate is 2,800 MXN pesos (about $140 USD).
Is there a minimum age or group size?
Divers must be at least 15 years old and the operator requires a minimum of two people; solo divers can be helped to join others to meet the minimum.
What certification do I need?
Divers should hold Advanced Open Water certification or greater and have been diving recently.
What depths will we reach?
The C-56 shipwreck reaches a maximum depth of about 90 ft (27 m); the second dive on the shallow reef has a maximum depth near 50 ft (15 m).
What should I bring to the boat?
Bring proof of scuba certification, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a shirt or cover-up and be prepared to pay the $7 dock fee.