Cedral Wall - Cozumel

The Gavutu Wildcat is one of those wrecks that really connects you to the history of Iron Bottom Sound. It’s thought to be the plane flown by legendary ace James Swett, ditched after a hell of a dogfight. We find it lying on a sandy, silty bottom at 25m, largely intact despite the propellor missing and the engine cowling having tumbled off. Our favourite time to dive it is definitely at slack tide; the visibility averages 12m, but any current really stirs up the silt. You’ll find trevally and snapper circling the airframe, and if you’re lucky, the resident painted crayfish will peek out from the starboard undercarriage. We always spend time exploring the cockpit, imagining the chaos. It’s a dive that’s more about the narrative than vibrant corals, perfect for divers who appreciate a quiet reflection with some cool pelagics.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.360200, -87.033300
Type
wreck

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 Cedral Wall

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 Cedral Wall

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 typical depth range for diving Cedral Wall?
Diving at Cedral Wall typically begins around 13 meters (45 feet). Divers can explore depths reaching up to 27 meters (90 feet) along the wall. This range allows for exploration of both the reef and the deeper wall sections.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Cedral Wall?
At Cedral Wall, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including green moray eels, nurse sharks, large groupers, and schools of tropical fish. The site is also known for sightings of majestic spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles. The dive features rich coral gardens along steep drops of the wall, alongside reef formations.
How challenging is Cedral Wall for scuba divers, and what skill level is recommended?
Cedral Wall is considered an intermediate dive site. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic certification and are comfortable with deeper dives and potential currents. Divers should be confident in their buoyancy control and navigation skills.
When is the best time of year to dive Cedral Wall for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Cedral Wall for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive resource. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Cedral Wall?
Given that Cedral Wall is rated as an intermediate dive, it is recommended that divers possess certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, or have equivalent experience. This ensures comfort and safety when exploring depths up to 27 meters (90 feet) and navigating wall environments. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Cedral Wall?
Cedral Wall boasts excellent visibility, with an average of 28 meters (90 feet). While specific current conditions are not detailed in the provided data, as an intermediate wall dive, divers should be prepared for potential moderate currents. Always consult with your dive guide for real-time current assessments.