Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 - Cozumel

Coral Islands is one of those Mafia sites that just feels right for a relaxed morning dive. You drop in, and the reef starts at around 9 metres, unfolding into these three distinct, healthy coral patches. We love how the sand channels separate them, they really brighten the whole place, bouncing the light around the corals. It’s a low-stress dive, rarely deeper than 16 metres, perfect for just cruising along and taking it all in. We’ve spent ages here just watching the garden eels. There are so many of them, swaying in the current, then popping back into the sand as you get a little too close. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: Hotlips Triplefins perched on the coral, Big Long-nosed Butterflyfish poking around, and the ubiquitous Six-line Wrasse zipping past. Visibility averages about 12 metres, which is plenty to appreciate the details of the reef. It’s a great spot for photographers looking for macro subjects or anyone who wants a chill dive without strong currents.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.860000, -86.828400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Marine Protected Area: Arrecife de Puerto Morelos

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 Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56

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 Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 dive site?
The Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 dive site has a maximum depth of 26 meters. The wreck itself lies on a white seabed at approximately 27 meters (90 feet). This depth makes it accessible for divers with appropriate certification.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck?
Divers exploring the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life. In season, you might enjoy the company of magnificent eagle rays, alongside impressive barracudas and a diverse ecosystem that has flourished around the wreck since its sinking in 2000. The wreck itself, a former US Navy ship from World War II, rests on a distinctive white seabed.
What diving certification level is required or recommended for diving the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck?
The Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck is considered an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its maximum depth of 26 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended to safely and comfortably explore this fascinating site. This certification ensures divers have the necessary skills for deeper dives.
When is the best time of year to dive the Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
While the specific "best time of year" for optimal conditions at the Barco Hundido - Wreck Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 is not explicitly detailed, divers can enjoy the company of eagle rays during their particular season. For general information on diving seasons in Cozumel, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 dive site?
Divers visiting the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 dive site can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 19 meters. Information regarding the typical current conditions at this specific site is not provided in the available data. However, Cozumel is known for its drift diving opportunities.
Is the Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck dive considered difficult, and are there opportunities for wreck penetration?
The Cadete Juan Escutia C-56 wreck dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This suggests it requires a certain level of experience beyond basic open water certification. Information regarding specific opportunities for wreck penetration at this site is not available in the provided data, so divers should plan accordingly and always prioritize safety.