Dive Site: C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck

About C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck

The C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl wreck, an artificial reef just off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico, offers a unique blend of history and marine habitat. Originally the USS Scuffle, a World War II US Navy minesweeper, it was later transferred to the Mexican Navy before being intentionally sunk in June 2000 near Chankanaab Beach. Now this 56-meter (184 ft) long vessel rests on a sandy bottom, its structure intact, providing shelter and hunting grounds for various marine species. The wreck is easily accessible, featuring mooring buoys and generally good visibility, ranging from low to moderate currents. This site caters to divers seeking both outer exploration and wreck penetration opportunities. Large holes have been cut into the ship's sides and interior to ensure safe entry and exit for exploration. Divers can navigate through its decks, cabins, and engine rooms, or simply observe the vibrant ecosystem that has formed around its exterior. The surrounding sandy areas also feature scattered coral structures, adding to the biodiversity of the dive. Marine life thrives on and around the C-53. Inside, divers commonly encounter lobsters, crabs, eels, and schools of glassy sweepers and sardines. Outside the wreck, barracudas, groupers, eagle rays, and sea turtles are frequent visitors. A massive green moray eel is often found lurking within. The wreck's transformation into a living reef is ongoing, with dense colonies of sponges and corals steadily developing, making it a compelling destination for underwater photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

Dive site facts: C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck

Depth

12–25 m

Typical dive

35–55 minutes

Current

Low to moderate (surface can be strong)

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

25–29 °C

Entry

Boat / mooring line descent

Level

Open Water for exterior, Advanced for interior

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef

Region / port

Cozumel, Mexico

Coordinates

20.44535, -86.99868

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the C-53 Wreck are typically low to moderate, but can be strong on the surface during descent, making a controlled descent on the mooring line advisable. Once at depth, the current softens around the hull, allowing for comfortable exploration. Divers should be prepared for potential strong surface currents and use appropriate entry techniques. Visibility at the site is generally very good, ranging from 25 to 40 meters, and can reach up to 40 meters depending on conditions. The stability of the wreck on the sandy bottom and its sheltered location contribute to consistent visibility, though occasional thermoclines are possible.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green Moray Eel

common

Grouper

common

Barracuda

common

Lobster

common

Jackfish

common

Southern Stingray

occasional

Sea Turtle

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Glassy Sweepers

common

Grunt

common

Sponges

common

Coral

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the C-53 Wreck typically begins with a descent down a mooring line directly to the bow, which is crucial given potential surface currents. Upon reaching the wreck, you'll find the main deck at about 12-15 meters, while the sandy bottom lies at 25 meters. The dive profile often involves circumnavigating the exterior, moving from bow to stern, observing the coral-encrusted structure, gun mounts, and propellers. For advanced divers, guided penetration into the wheelhouse, engine room, and officers' quarters is possible through pre-cut openings. These interior explorations require a dive light and precise buoyancy to avoid disturbing silt. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which you ascend for a safety stop, often along the wreck's superstructure or the mooring line, enjoying the shallower parts of the vessel before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The C-53 Wreck offers fantastic opportunities for underwater photography, blending historical structure with vibrant marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide-angle lens to capture the entire 56-meter vessel, especially its intact bow and stern sections, or the impressive scale of the internal spaces. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and sponges that have colonized the wreck, and to illuminate subjects like barracuda or schooling grunts against the clear Cozumel water. When entering the wreck, a powerful dive light is essential, not only for navigation but also for illuminating darker corridors and subjects like moray eels or glassy sweepers for macro or close-up shots. Maintain excellent buoyancy control, particularly inside the wreck, to prevent silting out the interior, which can ruin visibility for both yourself and others, and ensure you respect marine life by maintaining a respectful distance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Chankanaab Reef

  Chankanaab Reef, located off Cozumel's coast, is a celebrated dive site within the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef…

• Yucab Reef

  Yucab Reef is a renowned dive site located on the southwest coast of Cozumel, Mexico, easily accessible by a short boat ride from the main…

• Paradise Reef (Paraiso)

  Paradise Reef, also known as Paraiso, is a celebrated dive site in Cozumel, Mexico, located just south of the Puerta Maya cruise ship…

• Columbia Deep

  Columbia Deep is a renowned dive site within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, celebrated for its spectacular underwater topography…

• Palancar Gardens

  Palancar Gardens, situated off the eastern coast of Mexico near Cozumel Island, is a celebrated dive site within the Mesoamerican Barrier…

Getting there & logistics

Diving the C-53 Wreck typically involves trips originating from Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is the primary gateway, with direct flights and connections. From Cozumel, the wreck is a short boat ride, often combined with a nearby reef dive. If coming from Playa del Carmen, divers usually take a ferry to Cozumel and then join a local dive operator. Most dive trips are day excursions, lasting a half or full day. Marine park fees apply for diving within Cozumel's protected waters, which include the C-53 site. It's common for dive operators to bundle the C-53 with other popular Cozumel sites like Chankanaab Reef or Paradise Reef.

Safety & environment

Safety at the C-53 Wreck is generally good, with dive operators emphasizing controlled descents using mooring lines, especially given potential surface currents. For interior penetration, advanced certification, a dive light, and meticulous buoyancy control are mandatory due to potential silting and the need for clear navigation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Cozumel, ensuring prompt medical assistance if needed. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency evacuations and recompression treatment. Adherence to dive guide instructions, staying within certified limits, and being aware of surroundings are crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck

These liveaboards may visit C-53 Felipe Xicoténcatl Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$336/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$323/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day