Barco Encayado - Sea of Cortez

Barco Encayado, or "Stranded Ship", is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Sea of Cortez. It’s an old wooden fishing boat, probably from the 1940s, sitting upright in about 10 meters of water. We love the way the light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the hull and the schools of baitfish that swirl around it. You can swim right through the wheelhouse and peek into the hold, which is now home to green moray eels and grumpy-looking scorpionfish. The wreck itself is slowly disintegrating, but that’s part of its charm; it’s a living reef now, covered in colourful sponges and small hard corals. We’ve seen octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes watching us as we fin past. This site is brilliant for photographers, especially macro shooters, and because it’s so shallow, you get a good long bottom time. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for a second dive of the day or for divers who want to take their time exploring.

Location
Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
24.045681, -109.867910
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Barco Encayado

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

Its name, 'Barco Encayado,' literally translates to 'Grounded Ship,' telling the simple story of its demise. This wreck, thought to be a former fishing vessel, met its end by running aground on a reef in the bountiful Sea of Cortez. The specific history of the vessel and its crew may be lost, but its legacy continues as a thriving artificial reef. Its shallow position and the typically clear, calm waters of the area make it an excellent dive for novices and photographers alike.

The wreck itself has become completely integrated into the marine environment, which is the true star of the show in the Sea of Cortez. Divers can expect to be surrounded by the incredible biodiversity the region is famous for. The structure is a magnet for life, providing shelter for moray eels, blennies, and countless crustaceans. Swirling schools of jacks and sergeant majors are common sights, and the wreck's surfaces are often decorated with colorful sea fans and sponges.

Marine Protected Area: Ventilas Hidrotermales de la Cuenca de Guaymas y de la Dorsal del Pacífico Oriental

Best Time to Dive in Sea of Cortez

The warmest water temperatures in Sea of Cortez occur in September, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 21.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.2°C
  • February: 21.1°C
  • March: 21.5°C
  • April: 22.6°C
  • May: 24.8°C
  • June: 27.1°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 30.1°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 29.8°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 25.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sea of Cortez

Nearest Dive Centres to Barco Encayado

Marine Life in Sea of Cortez

Home to 197 recorded species including 172 reef fish, 14 whales & dolphins, 5 sharks & rays, 3 other, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barco Encayado

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories