Fang Ming (Wreck) - Sea of Cortez

The Fang Ming is one of those wrecks that just makes for a good day out. She’s a Chinese cargo ship, scuttled back in 1999, and sitting upright in 21 metres of water. We love a wreck with a story, and the Fang Ming has a fascinating one – supposedly involved in illegal immigrant trafficking before she was seized. What you get today is a really approachable wreck, perfect for newer wreck divers or anyone who just wants a relaxed dive. The holds are open, inviting you inside for some easy penetration, where shafts of light cut through the gloom. You’ll find schools of snappers and grunts sheltering in the darker corners, and green moray eels often peeking out from pipes. Outside, the superstructure is covered in colourful sponges and small gorgonians, with the occasional juvenile angelfish flitting by. We usually find groups of silversides shimmering around the deck, creating a silver curtain. It’s an easy dive, often with good visibility, making it one of our favourite afternoon spots when we’re in the area.

Location
Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
24.430300, -110.374400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Balandra

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 Fang Ming (Wreck)

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 Fang Ming (Wreck)

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