Cozumel Wreck Diving

When you feel like a “wreck”… try “Wreck Diving Lite”

The necessary technical requirements of wreck diving can scare off many divers. Sharp, jagged metal edges, dark, dead-end hallways, cold water, and low visibility can wreak havoc with even the most qualified among us. Cozumel came up with a simple solution a few years ago and it only adds another entry to the “plus” column when looking for reasons to head back to these sunny shores again soon.

If the amazing natural reefs of Cozumel aren't enough to keep you occupied below the surface, there is now a wreck dive that even the faint of heart can enjoy. The sunken C-53 minesweeper was originally called "Scuffle" and was built in Tampa, Florida in 1944 and was used as a minesweeper until 1962. Eventually acquired by the Mexican Navy and renamed "Felipe Xicotenati" it served as a patrol boat and search and rescue vessel. Retired in June 1998, the Felipe Xicotenati was sunk a year later near Chankanaab as an artificial reef. It sits on a sandy bottom at 80 feet and the average depth on this dive is about 60 feet.

The Felipe Xicotenati is 184 ft. long. She stands 40 ft. tall and boasts 3 decks, with a beam of 33 ft. Huge holes have been cut throughout the vessel to allow divers easy, safe access. If you are at all claustrophobic, and are reluctant to penetrate the wreck, exploring its exterior will still provide an exceptional dive to view an abundance of life.

Recent visits to this wreck show more growth on the hull, which is becoming home to many small critters. A close inspection around the hull last week disclosed blennies, various different crabs, and a huge nest of fire worms, squat lobster and a scorpion fish. Christmas trees of all colors provide a challenge for any photographer.

Much to our delight, this year, thousands of silver fish have taken residence on the wreck and they, in turn, bring in the big groupers looking for a quick snack.

On a recent dive on the C-53 we had a brief thunderstorm and the dark clouds gave us more of a “twilight dive” on the wreck. This was quite dramatic and gave the C-53 a true “ghost ship” appearance – a fun and different perspective.

There are restrictions for this dive site and the safe wreck diving guidelines should be a followed at all times. Cozumel's Parque Nacional does state the following:

• Safe wreck diving limits include:
  • Areas with daylight zone.
  • No night dives.
  • 130 ft. max penetration.
  • 100 ft. maximum depth.
  • 30 ft. minimum starting visibility
  • No decompression diving.
  • Minimum tank pressure to penetrate the wreck of 2000 psi
  • Four divers per guide.

Following these simple requirements set forth by the Parque Nacional ensure that all dives to the Felipe Xicotenati will provide the ultimate dive experience for every level diver years to come. To see what's in store for you while diving the Felipe Xicotenati, visit the gallery pages.