Wreck Diving in the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya, with its sun-kissed beaches and crystalline waters, is a paradise for divers. Beneath its serene surface lies a treasure trove of shipwrecks, offering thrilling adventures for both beginner and experienced divers. Let’s dive into some of the most famous wrecks in the area: Mama Viña, C53, C58, and C56.

Mama Viña

Located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, the Mama Viña wreck offers an exhilarating dive experience. Originally a shrimp boat, Mama Viña was intentionally sunk in the 1990s to create an artificial reef. This transformation quickly turned it into a vibrant marine habitat and a popular dive site. Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, the wreck lies at a depth of 80 feet (24 meters) with strong currents often sweeping across the site. Over the years, Mama Viña has become home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of snappers, grunts, barracudas, and a variety of colourful reef fish. The wreck offers a captivating dive with rich marine biodiversity, making it a must-visit site for adventurous divers.

C53 (Felipe Xicoténcatl)

The C53, a former Mexican Navy minesweeper also known as the Felipe Xicoténcatl, is located off the coast of Cozumel. Built in the United States in 1944 as the USS Scuffle (AM-298), this vessel served the U.S. Navy before being transferred to the Mexican Navy in 1962, where it served until 1999. Intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef, the C53 has become a fascinating dive site. Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, the wreck lies at a depth of 80 feet (24 meters) and hosts a vibrant underwater habitat. Divers can encounter schools of barracudas, snappers, angelfish, and groupers, making each dive a unique underwater adventure.

C58 (General Anaya)

Off the coast of Cancun lies the C58 wreck, an exciting dive site that beckons underwater adventurers. Originally known as USS Harlequin (AM-365), this vessel was transferred to the Mexican Navy along with C53 and C56 and was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, the C58 lies at a depth of 80 feet (24 meters) and can have strong currents. The ship’s structure is covered with soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, creating a stunning underwater landscape that is filled with marine life.

C56 (Juan Escutia)

Located in the clear waters of Puerto Morelos, the C56 shipwreck offers an exhilarating dive for underwater enthusiasts. Like the C53, this ship was transferred to the Mexican Navy and intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. Typically ranging from 90 feet (30 meters) in depth, the C56 is ideal for advanced divers. With excellent visibility and warm water temperatures, the wreck is a bustling underwater metropolis. Divers can encounter schools of barracudas, jacks, colourful reef fish, moray eels, lobsters, and even the occasional sea turtle.

When wreck diving ensure you have the appropriate certification for deep and wreck diving. An Advanced Open Water certification is often required, and additional wreck diving training is recommended. Wreck diving in the Riviera Maya offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and marine biodiversity. At Xico Dive Center we offer wreck diving at all of these locations. Whether you’re navigating through the corridors of the C53 or marvelling at the vibrant reef life around Mama Viña, these underwater time capsules provide unforgettable experiences. Pack your dive gear, sharpen your underwater photography skills, and get ready to explore the hidden depths