The Sonoran Artificial Reef System in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico is one of the largest artificial reef projects in Latin America. Created by sinking retired Mexican Navy ships, aircraft, helicopters, and other naval artifacts, the reef has become a thriving marine habitat and one of San Carlos’ most exciting attractions for scuba diving, snorkeling, freediving, underwater photography, and marine conservation.
Since the first vessel was sunk in 2022, the reef system has continued to grow. Today, 13 of the planned 14 naval artifacts have been placed on the seafloor, creating an underwater park that attracts thousands of fish and provides exciting new dive sites for recreational divers.
Whether you’re an experienced diver, an adventurous snorkeler, or simply curious about one of Sonora’s most unique ecotourism projects, the Sonoran Artificial Reef System offers an unforgettable glimpse into how retired naval vessels can be transformed into thriving underwater ecosystems.
Current Status – as of July 2026
- Status: 13 of 14 planned artifacts installed
- Latest addition: ARM Mariscal PC-211 (July 2026)
- Location: San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
- Best for: Scuba diving, snorkeling, underwater photography, marine life viewing
- Depths: Approximately 42–55 feet (13–17 meters) for the main shipwrecks
What is the Sonoran Artificial Reef System?
The Sonoran Artificial Reef System is an ambitious marine conservation and tourism project located off the coast of San Carlos, Sonora. Instead of allowing retired naval vessels and equipment to be scrapped, they are carefully cleaned, prepared, and intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs that provide habitat for marine life while offering new attractions for divers and snorkelers.
The project is designed to:
- Create new habitat for fish, crustaceans, mollusks, corals, algae, and other marine species
- Increase biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez
- Promote sustainable ecotourism
- Expand recreational diving opportunities in San Carlos
- Position Sonora as one of Latin America’s premier diving destinations
When completed, the reef system will include 14 retired Mexican Navy artifacts, making it one of the largest artificial reef systems in the region.
Where is the Artificial Reef Located?
The reef system is located just offshore from San Carlos, Sonora, between Punta El Cautín and Punta Doble, near the iconic Tetakawi Mountain.
Most of the sites are only a short boat ride from San Carlos Marina, making them easily accessible for dive operators, snorkel tours, and private boaters.
See the image below for the location of some of the sites.
Sunken Ships and Artifacts
As of July 2026, 13 of the planned 14 artifacts have been placed on the seafloor.
Ships
- Ex-Buque Santos (PO-106) – sunk March 3, 2022. It’s 237 feet long and is resting on the sandy bottom at about 52 feet. Read more about Santos dive site.
- Former Naval vessel SUCHIATE (BI-05) – sunk on March 15, 2024. It’s 180 feet long and is on a slight incline, 50 feet at the bow and 55 feet at the stern. Read more about Suchiate dive site.
- Former Navy vessel “El Tanin” – sunk on 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.
- Former Navy vessel De La Fuente (PC-208) – sunk April 12, 2025. La Fuente is about 110 feet long and sits at 52 feet.
- Former Navy ship Cabo Corrientes – sunk February 1, 2026.
- Former Mexican Navy ship ARM Mariscal (PC-211) – sunk July 2026.
Other Artifacts
Additional artificial reef structures include:
- APC-70 Amphibious Vehicle
- CASA C-212 aircraft fuselage
- Bolkow helicopter
- Twin 40 mm gun mounts
- Single 3-inch/50 caliber naval gun
- Additional artillery pieces
Each artifact adds another structure for marine life to colonize and creates new underwater attractions for divers.
Here is the sinking of a Bolkow helicopter – sunk December 4, 2025:
Marine Life You’ll See
Artificial reefs quickly become underwater neighborhoods, and the Sonoran Artificial Reef System is no exception.
Because the Ex Santos has been underwater the longest, it now supports thriving marine life that was once uncommon over the surrounding sandy bottom. Huge schools of fish move through the open compartments, while octopus, crabs, nudibranchs, and countless other invertebrates have made the wreck their home.
As the newer ships mature, they are expected to develop into equally vibrant ecosystems.
Depending on the season and visibility, visitors may encounter:
- Large schools of reef fish
- Octopus
- Nudibranchs
- Crabs
- Mollusks
- Rays
- Numerous reef invertebrates
- Colorful algae and marine growth
Each visit offers something different as the reef continues to evolve.
Diving and Snorkeling the Reef
The Sonoran Artificial Reef System offers exciting opportunities for recreational divers, underwater photographers, and, during periods of good visibility, experienced snorkelers.
The ships have been specially prepared for recreational diving, with openings that allow trained divers to safely explore portions of the wrecks while remaining within recreational diving depths.
As marine life continues to grow on each structure, every visit reveals new colors, new species, and new photographic opportunities.
If you’re planning to explore the reef, consider joining one of San Carlos’ experienced local dive operators who know the conditions and can safely guide visitors to the various sites.
Who Created the Reef System?
The project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Sonora’s Department of Tourism and the Mexican Navy, whose vision was to create a world-class artificial reef system that benefits both marine conservation and the local tourism economy.
Additional support has come from organizations including the Rotary Club of Puebla, which helped fund the sinking of the Suchiate, and El Mar Diving Center in San Carlos, which has played a key role in the project’s development and ongoing promotion.
Rules for Visiting
Whether you’re diving from a commercial operator or your own boat, protecting the reef is everyone’s responsibility.
Please remember:
- Always tie up to the designated mooring buoys.
- Never drop an anchor on or near the reef.
- Do not remove artifacts or marine life.
- Practice good buoyancy control while diving.
- Leave the reef exactly as you found it so future visitors can enjoy it too.
These simple practices help ensure the reef continues to flourish for generations to come.
Latest Addition: ARM Mariscal PC-211 (July 2026)
In July 2026, the former Mexican Navy patrol vessel ARM Mariscal PC-211 became the newest addition to the Sonoran Artificial Reef System.
The ship is the 13th artifact to join the project and will gradually become home to corals, algae, invertebrates, and thousands of fish. Like the earlier vessels, it represents another important step toward creating one of the premier artificial reef destinations in the Sea of Cortez.
Map of the Dive Sites
The map below shows the location of several of the reef’s most popular dive sites, including the Santos, Suchiate, and El Tanin. As additional artifacts are added, the Sonoran Artificial Reef System continues to expand into an even more impressive underwater destination.
Discover One of San Carlos’ Hidden Treasures
The Sonoran Artificial Reef System is much more than a collection of sunken ships—it’s a remarkable example of conservation, recreation, and innovation coming together beneath the waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Whether you’re planning your first dive in San Carlos, looking for your next underwater photography adventure, or simply fascinated by the transformation of retired naval vessels into thriving marine habitats, this unique reef system is well worth exploring.
As new artifacts are added and marine life continues to flourish, the Sonoran Artificial Reef System is becoming one of the most exciting attractions in San Carlos—and one that will only become more spectacular with time.
Sinking of the Mexican Navy ship ARM Mariscal PC-211, in July 2026
Location of Santos, Suchiate & El Tanin
Plan Your Visit to San Carlos
Ready to explore the Sonoran Artificial Reef System? Whether you’re an experienced diver or simply looking for unforgettable outdoor adventures, San Carlos offers something for everyone.
- Diving in San Carlos – Discover local dive sites, dive shops, and certification information.
- Snorkeling in San Carlos – Find the best snorkeling beaches and marine life viewing spots.
- Top Things to Do in San Carlos – Explore the best beaches, hiking trails, boating, fishing, and family-friendly activities.
