Scuba Life Cozumel
Google 5/5 (1,421 reviews)
5.2 km away as the crow flies
Cozumel · Mexico · Americas
Max. depth · 24 mWreck C-53: Mine-sweeper diving in Yucatan, Mexico
Dive into history and vibrant marine life on the C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl, Cozumel's largest and most accessible artificial reef.
What makes this site special
- Explore a 184-foot former Mexican Navy mine-sweeper.
- Largest wreck in Cozumel, accessible to Open Water Divers.
- Safe interior penetration via purpose-cut openings.
- Observe lobsters, crabs, and eels inside the wreck.
- Encounter barracudas and groupers on the exterior.
- Swim through schools of glassfish and sardines.
- Potential for spotting the Atlantis submarine.
- Propeller and engine room accessible from outside.
Wreck C-53 about the site
The C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl, a former US Navy patrol boat that later served in the Mexican Navy as a mine-sweeper, was deliberately sunk in June 2000 to create an artificial reef off Cozumel. Measuring 184 feet in length, it is the largest such structure in the area, resting on a sandy seafloor at a maximum depth of 24 meters. Before its sinking, the vessel was meticulously cleaned, and massive holes were cut into its sides and interior to ensure safe passage for divers, making it a prime example of thoughtful marine rehabilitation.
Upon descent, divers are greeted by the stern, revealing the sheer scale of this substantial structure. The shallowest point of the wreck, including the mast and superstructure, sits at 14 meters, making it accessible even for Open Water divers. The purpose-cut openings create clear pathways through the wreck's compartments, allowing light to filter in and illuminate the interior, which is already well-integrated into its marine environment.
Inside the C-53, divers will find bustling schools of glassfish and sardines, their silvery bodies reflecting the ambient light. These dense aggregations provide a constant flicker of movement and serve as a vital food source for larger predators. Lobsters scuttle within crevices, while crabs find refuge in the nooks and crannies, and eels can be spotted peeking from various openings, adding to the sense of exploration as divers traverse the corridors of this submerged warship.
Venturing to the exterior, divers will likely encounter barracudas, often seen cruising along the wreck's silhouette, and resident groupers observing movements from their established territories. The hull and superstructure have become encrusted over time, creating a complex artificial habitat that draws in specific species. This dynamic environment, where the static structure meets vibrant marine life, offers numerous points of interest for exploration, from the deck features to the internal passages.
A unique aspect of diving this site is the occasional visit of the Atlantis submarine, which has been known to approach the C-53. This offers divers an unusual encounter of human-made machines, both submerged and operational, adding another layer of intrigue to an already engaging wreck dive. The C-53 offers a dynamic environment where the static structure of the wreck meets the vibrant movement of marine life, setting it apart from other artificial reefs in the region.
Diving Wreck C-53: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
The C-53 wreck dive is accessible from Open Water Diver certification, with the top of the wreck beginning at 14 meters and extending to a maximum depth of 24 meters. Moderate currents can be expected, adding to the drift experience around the wreck. Visibility typically ranges from 18 to over 24 meters, providing clear views of the entire vessel and its inhabitants.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Cozumel
Dive centres in Cozumel
Hotels in Cozumel
Frequently asked questions about Wreck C-53
What certification do you need to dive Wreck C-53, and how deep is it?
Wreck C-53 is accessible to you with Open Water Diver certification. The wreck begins at about 14 meters, including the mast and superstructure, and reaches a maximum depth of 24 meters. Its purpose-cut openings provide pathways through the interior, with light filtering into the compartments for a clearly structured penetration experience.
What currents should you expect at Wreck C-53?
You can expect moderate currents at Wreck C-53, creating a drift experience around the vessel. These conditions accompany exploration of the wreck and its surrounding artificial-reef habitat. Visibility typically ranges from 18 to more than 24 meters, allowing you to see the vessel clearly while moving around its exterior and interior openings.
What can you see inside Wreck C-53?
Inside Wreck C-53, you can swim through purpose-cut openings and compartments where schools of glassfish and sardines gather. Lobsters move through crevices, crabs shelter in nooks, and eels appear around openings. The propeller and engine room are accessible from outside, adding further areas for you to explore around the wreck.
What marine life can you see around Wreck C-53?
Around the exterior of Wreck C-53, you can encounter barracudas cruising along the wreck’s silhouette and groupers holding nearby territories. The encrusted hull and superstructure provide habitat for marine life, while schools of glassfish and sardines move through the structure. You may also spot the Atlantis submarine approaching the wreck.
