This dive site features the intriguing San Pablo wreck, erroneously known as "The Russian Freighter." Originally a fruit transport ship, its true history, revealed by declassified documents, tells of its sinking in August 1944 by the US Military using a top-secret experimental weapon system. Lying at a maximum depth of 25 meters with an average depth of 12 meters, the wreck provides an interesting structure for exploration and offers a unique historical narrative beneath the waves.
As an artificial reef, the San Pablo wreck attracts various marine life typical of the Gulf of Mexico. Divers can expect to encounter species such as grouper, snapper, amberjack, and barracuda, often schooling around the structure. The wreck itself becomes encrusted with sponges and soft corals over time, providing habitat for smaller fish and invertebrates.
The best time to visit the San Pablo wreck is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when water temperatures are more comfortable and visibility can be at its best. Divers should have wreck diving experience or appropriate certification, and good buoyancy control is essential to prevent disturbing the wreck and surrounding marine life. Freedivers can enjoy exploring the shallower sections of the wreck, taking in its historical significance.
