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