Canto del Bajito - Santa Marta & Tayrona

The C-53, or the Felipe Xicotencatl, is our pick for a straightforward wreck dive in Cozumel, especially if you're looking for an easy penetration. They scuttled this 55-meter former minesweeper specifically for divers, so it’s been prepped for safe entry and exit points, which we really appreciate. Dropping down to about 22 meters, you'll feel the gentle push of the current typical for Cozumel, which often helps sweep you along the deck. Inside, those schools of glassy sweepers are a real spectacle – so many of them shimmer in the shafts of light that pierce the hull. We've often spotted spiny lobsters tucked into the bow’s nooks and crannies, and if you keep an eye on the sand around the wreck, garden eels usually pepper the seafloor. It’s a great site for seeing how quickly marine life colonises a new structure; we’ve found everything from slender filefish to the occasional splendid toadfish peeking out. Go early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

Location
Santa Marta & Tayrona, Colombia, South America
Coordinates
9.797900, -75.676100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Los Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Nearby Dive Sites in Santa Marta & Tayrona

Nearest Dive Centres to Canto del Bajito

Marine Life in Santa Marta & Tayrona

Home to 533 recorded species including 416 reef fish, 38 hard corals, 17 sharks & rays, 13 other, 9 crabs & lobsters, 7 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Canto del Bajito?
Diving at Canto del Bajito typically involves exploring a vibrant wall down to a maximum depth of 17 meters. Divers can enjoy the various features of the wall from its shallower sections to its base.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Canto del Bajito?
Divers at Canto del Bajito will encounter a vibrant wall adorned with various corals and sponges, including impressive cup corals, locally known as "cupons," with some exceeding 2 meters in height. Keep an eye out for large puffer fish, cubera snapper, and grouper near the base, while small reef fish, lobsters, and urchins can be found on top. For more information on species, visit our marine life database.
How challenging is diving at Canto del Bajito, especially regarding currents and navigation?
Canto del Bajito is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While the description doesn't specify current conditions, divers should be prepared for generally medium visibility, averaging around 10 meters, which can influence navigation along the wall.
What is the best time of year to dive Canto del Bajito for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided information does not specify the best time of year to dive Canto del Bajito for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. We recommend consulting general resources for when to dive in Colombia to plan your trip.
What level of diving certification is required or recommended to dive at Canto del Bajito?
Given that Canto del Bajito is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers are comfortable with potential medium visibility and navigating a wall dive down to 17 meters.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Canto del Bajito?
At Canto del Bajito, divers can expect generally medium visibility, with an average of 10 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this dive site.