This dive site is the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 Wreck, a former Mexican Navy minesweeper purposefully sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The 55-meter (184-foot) wreck was thoroughly prepared for diving, ensuring easy penetration and egress points, making it a safe and engaging dive. Divers can explore its decks, bridge, and various internal compartments, navigating through the structure as marine life takes hold.
The C-53 wreck has become a vibrant ecosystem, home to schools of shimmering glassy sweepers that fill its interior. The bottom of the bow often hosts spiny lobsters, while the sandy areas surrounding the wreck are typically inhabited by garden eels swaying in the gentle currents. Various corals and sponges are colonizing the wreck, further enhancing its appeal as an artificial reef habitat.
The best time to visit this dive site is generally year-round, with good visibility common in the Caribbean waters. For scuba divers, the wreck offers opportunities for both external exploration and safe interior penetration, suitable for beginners to advanced divers. Freedivers will find the 22-meter depth and the unique structure of the wreck an exciting challenge for breath-hold diving. It's an excellent site for underwater photographers looking for both wide-angle wreck shots and macro opportunities.
