CONQUISTADOR - Sea of Cortez

The Conquistador sits upright on a sandy bottom, a fishing vessel from a bygone era, sunk back in '85 after an engine room fire. We love a wreck with a story, and this Tacoma-built boat certainly has one. At 50 metres long, it's a decent size, and we usually find ourselves making at least two passes, often more. There’s a noticeable tilt to port as you descend, giving the whole structure a slightly disorienting, yet intriguing, feel. We've found the wheelhouse is a great spot to peer inside, often finding schools of glassy sweepers hanging in the shadows. Look for the engine room access, though we generally advise caution with overhead environments on older wrecks like this, especially when currents pick up. Moray eels are common residents, their heads poking from various nooks and crannies. The open cargo holds are fascinating, letting in shafts of sunlight that illuminate the metal structure, now softened by a vibrant tapestry of sponges and soft corals. It’s a photographer’s delight, especially when the light is right – usually mid-morning. We recommend checking the local current reports; while generally mild, a strong push can make navigating the exterior a bit more work. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims its own, offering plenty to explore without excessive depth.

Location
Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
24.200000, -110.333336
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Marine Protected Area: Humedales Mogote - Ensenada de La Paz

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 CONQUISTADOR

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 CONQUISTADOR

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