AGUSTIN MELGAR - Cozumel

We really like Agustin Melgar for a straightforward wreck dive. It's not a deep one, hovering around 13 metres, which means plenty of bottom time and a relaxed pace. This fishing vessel lays broken up on the sand, a stark contrast to some of Cozumel’s more intact wrecks, but that’s precisely its charm. The wreckage is spread out, with large pieces of the hull and superstructure creating a playground for fish. We've often found green morays peeking out from behind a twisted piece of metal, and the schools of grunt and snapper are usually thick. Light penetrates everything down here, making the colours pop even on an overcast day. It’s an easy dive, perfect for anyone looking to spend time exploring the nooks and crannies without worrying about complex navigation or strong currents. Our favourite part? The way the soft corals have started to fuzz over the metal, giving it an aged, established feel. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs – they’re often camouflaged on those coral patches.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
22.218334, -86.871666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Wreck History - AGUSTIN MELGAR

Vessel Type
warship
Cause
scuttled

The "AGUSTIN MELGAR" is a popular wreck dive in the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel. While sometimes misidentified as a fishing vessel, its name-honoring one of Mexico's revered national heroes from the Battle of Chapultepec-strongly suggests it was a former Mexican Navy vessel. Like many of Cozumel's wrecks, it was most likely intentionally scuttled to create a vibrant artificial reef, providing a new habitat for marine life and an exciting underwater playground for divers.

Resting at an easily accessible depth of 13 meters, the "AGUSTIN MELGAR" is a perfect dive for all experience levels, from newly certified divers to seasoned underwater photographers. The wreck is typically teeming with life; schools of grunts and snappers swarm its superstructure, moray eels peer from pipes and crevices, and a rich layer of colorful sponges and corals encrusts its surfaces. Its "Dangerous wreck" classification is a standard warning to avoid penetration without proper training, but the exterior offers a fantastic and rewarding exploration in Cozumel's famously good visibility.

Best Time to Dive in Cozumel

The warmest water temperatures in Cozumel occur in September, averaging 29.8°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 26.9°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in September with average wave heights of 0.70m. Average current speed: 95.0 cm/s.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • July: 29.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 29.6°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • September: 29.8°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 29.6°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 28.8°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • December: 27.9°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cozumel

Nearest Dive Centres to AGUSTIN MELGAR

Marine Life in Cozumel

Home to 181 recorded species including 140 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 9 other, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AGUSTIN MELGAR

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C, visibility 23 nmi, currents 87 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories