C-53 Xicotencatl - Cozumel

The C-53 Xicotencatl in Cozumel, now that's a dive. We love this wreck not just for its history, a former Mexican Navy minesweeper deliberately sunk for divers, but for how it’s matured into a proper artificial reef. Descending onto the deck, you immediately feel the scale. It's upright and largely intact, making for some fantastic penetration dives if you're certified and comfortable navigating confined spaces. Our favourite parts are the engine room, surprisingly accessible, and the wheelhouse where you can still imagine the captain at the helm. Big groupers often hang out in the shadows, and we've seen schools of snapper streaming through the open holds, their silver scales flashing in the shafts of light. The exterior is crusted in sponges and soft corals, a vibrant contrast to the ship's grey steel. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive before the crowds really pick up. Visibility is usually excellent, so you get these great long views of the entire vessel. It’s a solid wreck dive, perfect for those with a bit of experience who appreciate both human history and natural reclamation.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.445200, -87.000534
Type
wreck

Wreck History - C-53 Xicotencatl

Year Sunk
1999
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
scuttled

The C-53 Xicotencatl has a long and decorated history that began long before it became a world-class dive site. It was originally commissioned into the United States Navy as the USS Scuffle (AM-298), an Admirable-class minesweeper. During World War II, it served with distinction in the Pacific Theater, clearing mines to support amphibious landings and earning a prestigious Presidential Unit Citation and five battle stars for its courageous service.

After the war, the vessel was decommissioned and eventually sold to the Mexican Navy in 1962, where it was renamed ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C53) and served for many more decades. At the end of its useful life, the decision was made to give the historic warship a new purpose. In 1999, it was carefully prepared and intentionally sunk off the coast of Cozumel to create a new artificial reef for marine life and an exciting destination for scuba divers.

Today, the C-53 sits perfectly upright on a sandy bottom and is one of Cozumel's most popular wreck dives. It was prepared with divers in mind, with large openings cut into the hull to allow for safe and easy penetration into its compartments and passageways. Divers can explore the bridge, decks, and holds, which are now home to schools of fish, moray eels, and vibrant sponges. Its impressive size and rich history make the C-53 Xicotencatl an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de Cozumel

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 C-53 Xicotencatl

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 C-53 Xicotencatl

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