San Carlos, Sonora, is more than just a coastal getaway—it’s one of Mexico’s top destinations for unforgettable diving experiences. Nestled along the Sea of Cortez, this region offers two truly world-class dive opportunities: the protected waters around Isla San Pedro Nolasco and the rapidly growing artificial reef system known as SAAS—Sistema Arrecifal Artificial Sonorense.
Whether you’re a new diver looking to explore stunning marine life or a seasoned wreck diver chasing your next technical adventure, San Carlos has it all.
Isla San Pedro Nolasco: A Natural Marine Sanctuary
Just a short boat ride from San Carlos, Isla San Pedro Nolasco is a small, uninhabited island that forms part of the Gulf of California’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and protected marine environment make it one of the most iconic dive sites in the Sea of Cortez.
What You Might Find Underwater
- Playful sea lions
- Schools of tropical reef fish
- Sea turtles, dolphins, and occasional whale sightings
- Vivid corals, nudibranchs, and underwater caves
The island’s pristine waters offer excellent visibility and gentle currents, making it ideal for both recreational divers and photographers looking to capture the raw beauty of the ocean.
Whether you’re diving its vertical walls or relaxing on the boat between dives, San Pedro Nolasco delivers an unforgettable, eco-rich experience.
Wreck Diving in San Carlos: Discover the SAAS Project
If wreck diving is your passion, San Carlos is quickly becoming the wreck diving capital of Mexico. The SAAS (Sistema Arrecifal Artificial Sonorense) project is transforming the seafloor with a series of sunken naval vessels turned artificial reefs—nine wrecks in total are planned.
These wrecks are helping restore marine ecosystems while offering divers of every skill level access to some of the most exciting dive sites in North America.
Why the SAAS Wrecks Are a Must-Dive
- Variety: From a 43-foot patrol boat to 400-foot multi-deck warships (coming soon).
- Depth Range: 50′ to 120’—perfect for beginner, intermediate, and technical divers.
- Diverse Training Opportunities: One of the only places in Mexico offering technical and rebreather wreck training, including full TDI and SSI wreck instructor certifications.
- Marine Growth: Older wrecks teem with life, while newer ones are becoming home to growing ecosystems.
Highlighted Wrecks
Santos Wreck
The first SAAS wreck, now broken into two distinct parts after a storm. This 221-foot ship is filled with nudibranchs, octopus, eels, and schools of fish. The upright stern offers easy swim-throughs—great for divers new to wreck exploration.
Suchiate Wreck
One of the most fascinating wrecks to penetrate, the 174-foot Suchiate is bolt-upright with multiple access points. It served in both the U.S. and Mexican Navy and rewards divers with massive interior spaces and advanced navigation opportunities.
El Tanin Wreck
At just 43 feet, El Tanin is the smallest wreck, but it packs a punch. Perfect for quick exploration, and close enough to Santos to allow divers to hit both in one tank dive.
La Fuente Wreck
A 110-foot former patrol vessel with wide-open interiors, ideal for beginner wreck divers. She’s the newest member of the reef system and already drawing marine life to her decks and hull.
And that’s just the beginning—larger ships with multi-level penetration routes are scheduled to be sunk through 2026, with depths ranging up to 120 feet.
Why San Carlos for Wreck Diving?
San Carlos is now the only place in Mexico offering such an extensive, accessible wreck diving program—and one of the few in North America. Whether you’re looking to complete your wreck diver certification, pursue advanced technical courses, or just enjoy guided dives with experienced wreck instructors, Dive San Carlos by Paragon Dive Group has you covered.
You can dive the same wrecks multiple times and see something new every trip as marine life continues to colonize these artificial reefs.
Start Your Dive Journey Today
Whether you want to dive with sea lions at Isla San Pedro Nolasco or explore the massive wrecks of the SAAS project, Dive San Carlos is your gateway to adventure.
Guided wreck dives and wreck certification courses
Dive packages including lodging and local travel
Custom 3-day, 4-day, and 7-day trips available year-round
FAQ About Diving In San Carlos
Is wreck diving in San Carlos safe for beginners?
Yes! Some wrecks like La Fuente are perfect for entry-level divers. Our instructors offer full wreck certification and guided tours based on your skill level.
What makes Isla San Pedro Nolasco special?
It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering diverse marine life, incredible underwater visibility, and safe, scenic dive conditions.
How many wrecks are currently diveable in San Carlos?
As of 2025, four wrecks are available to dive, with five more planned. Depths range from 50′ to 120′.
Do I need my own scuba gear to dive the wrecks?
Tanks and weights are included. You can rent scuba gear or bring your own equipment.