Mama Viña (Wreck) - Cozumel

Parasasa Beach, or the Crash Site as most divers know it, always delivers a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’re staying nearby. It’s an easy entry right off the beach, and you’re quickly on the sand slope leading out to the small aircraft wreckage. We love how the Kingfisher plane, ditched from the torpedoed USS Erie back in ‘42, feels like a forgotten toy on the seafloor. You can poke around the bent propeller and remnants of the fuselage, which are now completely encrusted. Look closely and you’ll find camouflaged Pacific spotted scorpionfish hunkering down, or maybe a curious hogfish nosing through the debris. The maximum depth of 18m makes it perfect for a long bottom time, letting you really soak in the details. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles gliding past; we often see them here. While the main ship is long gone, the plane provides a surprisingly intimate piece of history with plenty of critters to keep you engaged.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.569500, -87.117300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Caribe Mexicano

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 Mama Viña (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 Mama Viña (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 Mama Viña Wreck dive site?
The Mama Viña Wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 27m. This depth allows for a perfect bottom time to complete a full tour of the wreck, which is not very big.
What kind of marine life can you expect to see when diving the Mama Viña Wreck?
When diving the Mama Viña Wreck, you can expect to encounter abundant marine life in addition to the wreck itself. While specific species are not detailed for this site, the waters around Cozumel are known for their rich biodiversity. For more general information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Mama Viña Wreck, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Mama Viña Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to its maximum depth of 27m and the nature of wreck diving, it is generally not suitable for absolute beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for intermediate-level dives.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Mama Viña Wreck dive site?
The Mama Viña Wreck dive site typically boasts an average visibility of 22m, offering clear views of the wreck and surrounding marine life. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific site is not available in our current data.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Mama Viña Wreck?
Given the Mama Viña Wreck's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 27m, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. Furthermore, since the wreck can be explored from the inside without restrictions, a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly beneficial for safe and enjoyable penetration. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such dives.
What is the best time of year to dive the Mama Viña Wreck, especially to see specific marine life like bull sharks?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Mama Viña Wreck, or specific seasons for marine life encounters like bull sharks, is not available in our current data for this site. For general guidance on diving seasons in Cozumel, you might consult our When to Dive section.