VELMA LYKES - Cozumel

The Velma Lykes is a Cozumel wreck with a serious story. Torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942, this cargo steamer now lies broken in shallow water, just two metres deep. We love this site for its history, yes, but also for its accessibility – snorkelers and divers of all levels can explore it. You'll find the wreck well-broken, scattered across the sandy bottom. Massive sections of hull and deck plating lie twisted, creating cool swim-throughs as moray eels peer from crevices. The real joy here is seeing how marine life has completely taken over. Big schools of snapper often hang motionless above the larger sections, shimmering in the sun. Look closer, and you'll spot blennies and gobies darting between the rusted metal, while the occasional turtle might be grazing on algae nearby. It’s a gentle, reflective dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon with plenty of light filtering through the surface. We'd suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, for the calmest surface conditions.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
21.333334, -86.750000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Isla Contoy

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 VELMA LYKES

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 VELMA LYKES

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