Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck - Cozumel

Kid Reef, just off the Papatura shore, is a neat spot to get comfortable in the water. It’s ideal for checking your weighting or getting back into the swing of things before deeper dives. The maximum depth here is 17 metres, with visibility usually around 11 metres. Look closely on the rocky reef and you’ll find a good variety of nudibranchs, often near corals that remind us of fluffy marshmallows. Keep an eye on the sandy patches, too, as we’ve often spotted stingrays resting there. The currents can shift with the tide, so it’s a good place to practice reading the water.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.438000, -87.013200
Type
reef

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 Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck

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 Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck

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 Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck is 22m (72ft). The wreck's deepest point is recorded at 23m (76ft), offering a great range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the C-53 Wreck?
Divers at the C-53 Wreck can expect to encounter diverse marine life. Inside the wreck, you'll often find schools of glassy sweepers, while spiny lobsters inhabit the bottom of the bow. The surrounding areas are home to garden eels, making for a vibrant artificial reef experience. You can learn more about marine life in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
Diving the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. The wreck was purposefully prepared for safe diving, featuring easy penetration and egress points. This makes it an excellent site for divers looking to gain experience with wreck penetration in a controlled environment.
When is the best time of year to dive the C-53 Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the C-53 Wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck. Given its intermediate difficulty and easy penetration, an Advanced Open Water certification or a Wreck Diver specialty would typically be recommended for safe exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the C-53 Wreck dive site?
Divers at the C-53 Wreck can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 28m (92ft). However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site.