Diving atC-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl (Mexico)
The C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl in Cozumel demands respect for its history and its evolution as an artificial reef. Divers should approach this former Mexican Navy minesweeper with an understanding of its depth profile, found at around 24 meters on a sandy bottom. Exploring the exterior is a rewarding experience for open water certified divers; advanced divers can delve into its cut-out interior. Strong currents are common, necessitating confident buoyancy control to truly appreciate its structure and inhabitants.
Early observations for C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl report a surface air temperature of 28.5°C. The water surface is currently presenting wave heights of 0.5 m. Consider these environmental metrics before beginning your descent.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Beneath the turquoise waters of Cozumel lies the C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl, a testament to naval history and a thriving artificial reef. Originally launched in 1942 as the USS Scuffle, a US Navy minesweeper, this vessel later served the Mexican Navy, diligently patrolling Caribbean waters.
Decommissioned in the late 1990s, the ship found a new purpose in June 2000, intentionally sunk near Chankanaab Park to create a new dive site and alleviate pressure on natural reefs. Upright on a sand bank at depths around 24 meters, its substantial form measures approximately 61 m (200 ft) long and 12 m (40 ft) wide. Accessible from a mooring line, its silhouette gradually emerges from the deep.
Thoughtful cuts into its sides and interior allow for safe exploration, revealing compartments like the engine room, officers' quarters, and wheelhouse. Within these corridors, divers often encounter lobsters, crabs, and schools of glassy sweepers.
Outside, corals and sponges colonize the exterior, which regularly hosts barracudas, groupers, and moray eels, making for a dynamic and historically rich dive.
C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl
Conditions are Moderate
DIVE WARNING
High Wind Advisory (43km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl show 28° air, 29° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 43 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
While C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl offers good to excellent diving conditions throughout the year, the experience shifts subtly with the seasons. Warmer months, particularly May through September, often present the most favorable conditions, with excellent dive scores. Air temperatures during this period typically range from 28.5°C to 29°C (83-84°F), and wave heights are generally lower, contributing to smoother boat rides and easier entries. Rainfall during these months can be higher, averaging 3.5-7.9mm, but usually manifests as brief showers that don't significantly impact underwater visibility. Cooler, drier months from January to April still provide strong dive scores. Air temperatures average between 24.5°C and 27°C (76-80°F), with minimal rainfall, often less than 1.6mm. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, hovering around 26-28°C (79-82°F) year-round. Such conditions allow for comfortable diving regardless of the season, though wind speeds and wave heights can be slightly more pronounced in winter, potentially leading to stronger currents, but also often excellent visibility of 30 m (100 ft) or more.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Beginning with a descent down the mooring line towards the C-53, the wreck settles at a maximum depth of around 24 meters on a sandy bottom. As you approach, the considerable size of this over 60-meter vessel becomes clear. Typically, visibility is excellent, often reaching 30 meters, allowing a panoramic view of the wreck even from a distance. Cozumel's characteristic strong currents mean this is often a drift dive, so maintaining good buoyancy control is essential for navigating around and through the structure. A main deck hovers shallower, while exploring the engine room and other interior compartments brings you to the wreck's deepest sections. Water temperature is consistently warm, generally between 26-28°C (79-82°F). Divers explore huge holes cut into the ship's sides, providing access for penetration. Inside, schools of glassy sweepers move through the darker areas, while outside, barracudas patrol the superstructure.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating the C-53 presents specific challenges that require appropriate preparation. Strong currents are a regular feature of Cozumel diving, necessitating proficient buoyancy and finning techniques. Divers should be ready for a potential drift dive and remain in close proximity to their dive guide to manage the currents effectively. Certification-wise, an Open Water Diver certification is a prerequisite to explore the wreck's exterior, while those planning interior penetration should possess an Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver certification due to the deeper sections and overhead environments. Cut-out holes make interior exploration generally safe, but proper training and experience are crucial before entering any overhead environment. Always adhere to PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices and consult with local dive professionals regarding current conditions.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl, Mexico. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Repeated dives during the same day can gradually reduce overall body warmth.
Environmental readings suggest that the waters surrounding C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl are about 29°C (84°F) at the moment. Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (83°F). Divers spending extended time underwater often rely on dive skin or rash guard for balanced warmth and flexibility. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds.
The forecast outlook suggests that temperatures will stay close to current levels.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl
Upon approaching the C-53, you'll first notice the sheer volume of marine life colonizing its structure. Wreck surfaces are covered in soft corals and sponges, creating a dynamic habitat. Barracudas often patrol the deck, while groupers can be seen resting in sheltered sections. Moray eels frequently emerge from crevices within the ship's framework. Venturing inside, look for dense schools of glassy sweepers and sardines creating shimmering walls of fish. Lobsters and crabs hide within the various compartments. Keep an eye out for larger pelagic visitors like sea turtles and occasional eagle rays gliding past the wreck, adding to the vibrancy of this artificial reef ecosystem.
Dive Sites Near C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl
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Dive Centers Near C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl
Working Hours
Today: 07:00 - 18:00
Cozumel Dive School
Trippy Divers
Barefoot Dive Center Cozumel
Island Divers Cozumel Dive Center
Dressel Divers
Pro Dive Occidental Cozumel
Deep Dive Mexico
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the C-53 Wreck?
The C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl is a former Mexican Navy minesweeper, originally a US Navy vessel from WWII. It was intentionally sunk in June 2000 near Cozumel to serve as an artificial reef and dive site.
What is the maximum depth of the C-53 Wreck?
The C-53 Wreck sits on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of around 24 meters. Portions of the wreck's superstructure are shallower, offering varied depths for exploration.
What level of diving certification is required for the C-53?
Open Water Divers can explore the exterior of the wreck. For interior penetration into compartments like the engine room, an Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver certification is preferable or required.
Are there strong currents at the C-53 Wreck?
Yes, Cozumel is known for its strong currents, and the C-53 is often a drift dive. Divers should have good buoyancy control and be prepared to manage these conditions with their guide.
What kind of marine life can be seen on the C-53?
The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and crabs. Inside, schools of glassy sweepers and sardines are common, and outside, you might spot sea turtles or eagle rays.
Can divers penetrate the C-53 Wreck?
Yes, the ship has large cut-out holes to facilitate safe entry and exit for certified wreck divers. Interior areas like the engine room and officers' quarters are accessible for exploration with proper training.
What is the water temperature like at the C-53?
Water temperatures at the C-53 Wreck are consistently warm, generally ranging between 26-28°C (79-82°F) throughout the year, making for comfortable diving.
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C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl
Conditions are Moderate
DIVE WARNING
High Wind Advisory (43km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near C-53 Wreck Felipe Xicotencatl show 28° air, 29° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 43 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.