Mama Vina

Mama Vina is an intentionally sunk shrimp-boat wreck that forms a vibrant artificial reef. The intact hull lies upright on the sea floor at roughly 18 to 30 m and is well colonized by hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans; divers can swim around the outside and enter through open cabins and deck areas. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and frequently dived wrecks in the Playa del Carmen area. Dives are conducted from a boat, typically accessed by a short ride from Playa del Carmen. Divers usually descend up-current near the stern and drift along the starboard side toward the bow, circling with the prevailing flow. Visibility is often around 20-25 m and water temperature about 25 °C. The wreck sits roughly 18-30 m deep and currents can be medium to strong, so the site is recommended only for advanced-certified divers; most operators require Advanced Open Water certification. Standard open-water safety stops are made above the wreck, often with schools of jacks and barracudas visible during ascent. The shrimp boat was intentionally sunk in 1995 to create an artificial reef; the intact vessel’s bow faces into the prevailing current.