Ship Wreck C-53

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

Artificial ReefWreck

About This Dive Spot

This site features the C-53, a 56 m long and 10 m wide minesweeper that was sunk in 2000 and now functions as an artificial reef. The wreck sits at about 21 m with the upper deck around 12 m, offering a structured dive with a range of depths. It is described as suitable for experienced divers, and the wreck attracts marine life such as fish and invertebrates, making it an interesting underwater habitat.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

12m - 21m

Depth note

Upper deck is at 12 m; the wreck is located at about 21 m.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Overhead environment

Safety notes

Suitable for experienced divers; typical wreck-diving precautions apply due to the structure.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

A wreck dive with depth ranging from about 12 m at the upper deck to around 21 m at the wreck location, recommended for experienced divers.

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Dive Conditions Planner

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Spots Near Ship Wreck C-53

📍 0.8 km

Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck

Not Set

Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 is a purpose-sunk shipwreck that was prepared as an artificial reef dive site. The wreck was set up to allow straightforward entry and exit for divers, with opportunities for interior exploration. The vessel is about 55 m long and reaches a deepest depth of 23 m. Inside the wreck, schools of glassy sweepers are common, while spiny lobsters and garden eels can often be found around the bow and nearby sandy areas.

📍 1.6 km

Chankanaab Bolones

Not Set

A reef dive located off the beachfront of a marine park area, featuring sandy bottom and large coral formations. It’s often described as suitable for novice divers thanks to generally mild current. The site has abundant marine life and can reach deeper sections, with an average depth around 21 m, so managing air consumption helps extend bottom time.

📍 1.7 km

Tormentos

Not Set

Tormentos is an intermediate-level dive site with a patch reef system and depths from 8 to 26 meters. Strong currents are a key feature of the site. The reef supports a mix of sponges and both soft and hard corals, with marine life such as moray eels, snappers, and groupers. Water temperatures are typically 25–29°C.

📍 1.8 km

Chankanaab

🏖️

Chankanaab is a marine park with a shore-accessible reef, offering the option to snorkel or dive directly from the beach area. It’s part of a beach adventure park setting where visitors can also relax on the sand, swim, and explore nearby attractions. Common marine life encounters include rays, nurse sharks, turtles, moray eels, abundant reef fish, and the endemic Splendid toadfish found in Cozumel.

📍 3.9 km

San Clemente

⚓

San Clemente is a shallow barrier reef about 500 m offshore, stretching for more than 900 m. The reef is mostly flat with numerous crevices and small holes. It is typically dived in mild current and is suited to late-day dives, including night dives. The nooks and crannies host a variety of marine life, with additional nocturnal activity after dark.

📍 6.5 km

Paraiso Reef

⚓

Paraiso Reef is the first reef encountered when entering the marine park, featuring a few coral ridges that run parallel to the shoreline. Dives commonly begin across from the entrance of the local marina and proceed as a south-to-north drift. It is frequently done as a second dive and is also popular for night diving, with reef structure supporting anemones and sponges on coral heads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Ship Wreck C-53?

Entry at Ship Wreck C-53 is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Ship Wreck C-53?

Optimal conditions at Ship Wreck C-53 depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Ship Wreck C-53?

Depth and visibility information for Ship Wreck C-53 can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Ship Wreck C-53?

When diving Ship Wreck C-53, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.