VILLACARRIEDO - Cozumel

Villacarriedo is one of those Cozumel dives we always try to make time for, a real contrast to the big drift reefs. This isn't about pelagics or endless coral landscapes, it’s a proper wreck immersion. Sunk in 1975, this 57-meter carrier lies upright in about 10 meters of water, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking it all in. We love finning along her deck, watching the light play through what’s left of the superstructure. What makes Villacarriedo special is how approachable it is. You can poke around the cargo holds, or peer into the bridge area, all without feeling rushed or having to fight a current. The wreck acts like a big, artificial reef, so you’ll find plenty of green morays peering out from crevices, barracuda patrolling the deck, and schools of snapper hanging around the bow. It's a relaxed dive, a chance to slow down, practice your buoyancy, and appreciate the history beneath the waves. If you enjoy exploring structure and seeing how quickly marine life reclaims man-made objects, this is our pick.

Location
Cozumel, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
21.633333, -87.833336
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Playa adyacente a la localidad denominada Río Lagartos

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 VILLACARRIEDO

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 VILLACARRIEDO

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 are the typical diving depths at Villacarriedo?
The Villacarriedo dive site, a captivating wreck, is located at a depth of 10 meters. This shallow depth provides excellent bottom times and makes it an accessible dive for many experience levels.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see at Villacarriedo?
At Villacarriedo, divers will primarily encounter the intriguing underwater features of a sunken carrier vessel. This substantial wreck, measuring 57m x 10.4m, offers a unique environment to explore its hull and superstructure. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Villacarriedo for different experience levels?
Diving at Villacarriedo is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests it is best suited for divers who have some experience and are comfortable with wreck diving environments. While not overly challenging, it requires a good grasp of buoyancy control and dive planning.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Villacarriedo for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Villacarriedo. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in Cozumel, we recommend checking our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Villacarriedo?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given that Villacarriedo is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. For optimal safety and enjoyment when exploring wrecks, specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like at the Villacarriedo dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical water currents or visibility conditions at the Villacarriedo dive site. For the most current information on local conditions in Cozumel, we always recommend consulting with local dive operators.