Pelicano Wreck - Cozumel

The Pelicano Wreck in Cozumel, now this is a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of rubble. We always make time for it. What we love about the Pelicano is how she’s really settled into the seabed, sitting upright and fully explorable. You can swim through the main cargo holds, feeling the cool water shift as you pass into the darker interiors, then out into the light again. It’s a great spot for advanced open water divers looking to practice penetration skills in a relaxed environment. Keep an eye out for the resident green moray eel that sometimes pokes its head out from a broken porthole, and we’ve often seen schools of snapper darting around the superstructure. The deck supports a surprising amount of soft coral now, a fuzzy orange carpet in places. Our favourite part is the bow, where the anchor chain still hangs, thick with sponges. Go early if you can; the light streaming through the companionways is best before the mid-morning crowds arrive. The current can pick up here, but it generally sweeps you gently along the wreck's length, making for an easy drift.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.482302, -87.236725
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 Pelicano 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 Pelicano 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