Dive, snorkel or paddle to discover the Sonoran Artificial Reef System.
The Sonoran Artificial Reef System (SAAS) is a large-scale project in San Carlos, Sonora, designed to create an artificial reef using sunken naval artifacts. This project aims to boost tourism, protect marine life, and position Sonora as a leading destination for diving and ecotourism in Latin America.
The system will be built using 14 disused naval artifacts, including ships, helicopters, an airplane, an amphibious vehicle, and artillery devices.
The artificial reef is being constructed in San Carlos, Sonora, near the Tetakawi mountain, between “Punta el Cautín” and “Punta Doble”.
SAAS is one of the largest artificial reef systems in Latin America and is expected to be replicated in other states.
The project aims to provide a new habitat for marine life, including species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and algae, and potentially protect coastlines from storm waves.
As of April 2025, you can visit 4 sunken boats:
- The Ex-Buque Santos (PO-106) was sunk on March 3, 2022. Read more about Santos. Ex Santos is about 237 feet long and is resting on the sandy bottom at about 52 feet
- The former SUCHIATE BI-05 naval vessel was sunk on Friday, March 15, 2024. Read more about Suchiate. Suchiate was sunk next. It is smaller at 180 feet long and is on a slight incline, 50 feet at the bow and 55 feet at the stern.
- The former Navy vessel “El Tanin” was sunk on Sunday, March 30, 2025. This 13-meter-long vessel is in the same area as the previous two ships. El Tanin is the smallest at 40 feet and the most shallow at 42 feet.
- The navy vessel De La Fuente, PC-208 was sunk April 12, 2025. La Fuente is about 110 feet long and sits at 52 feet.
See the image below for the location of 3 of the sites.
If you’re a diving or snorkeling enthusiast, the Sonoran Artificial Reef System offers an unforgettable underwater experience. This unique marine habitat supports diverse marine life and fascinating sunken ships just waiting to be explored.
Because the Ex Santos has been down the longest, it has become home to a wide range of ocean animals that might not be seen in such abundance in that sandy bottom area. Huge schools of various fish species drift in and out of the openings in the hull of the boat. Invertebrates from octopus to nudibranchs to crabs have moved into every nook and cranny. In time, they will all be teeming with life like the Ex Santos. All the boats have been opened up so divers can move in and out of the wrecks safely in depths that are within recreational dive limits. At some times of the year, when visibility is good, snorkelers will also be able to enjoy viewing these artificial reefs and its sea life.
The Sonoran state government’s Department of Tourism along with the Mexican Navy brought this project to San Carlos. The Rotary Club of Puebla financially supported the sinking of the Suchiate. El Mar Diving Center of San Carlos worked as the principal local dive shop from the beginning of this amazing undertaking with the Tourism Department and the Navy.
Rules for exploring the site: Right now commercial and private boaters may dive these artificial reefs. It is very important to use the buoys to tie up…don’t throw out an anchor.
Location of Snatos, Suchiate & El Tanin
