The Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck in Cozumel, Mexico is located at Parque Marino, and is a ship that was sunk deliberately. In the hopes of creating an artificial reef, the Mexican government allowed the ship to go down. Cozumel is a large tourist attraction, with much of that tourism coming to see the natural coral reefs that line the beaches. Yet, because of the attraction to these reefs, there has been some compromising of them.
The Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck was to help create an artificial reef that could be explored by tourists diving and therefore would help preserve the natural reefs. The ship's demise was not without controversy as many experts warned that the sinking of the ship would actually harm some of the reef itself and unbalance the delicate ecosystem that is found there.
Visitors are welcome to visit the Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck today. You can find it by visiting the Parque Marino. Expert divers are encouraged, though there are tours as well as various trainers that can help you to learn how to scuba dive located throughout the area.
The ship is located about 80 feet under the surface and is about 184 feet long and 33 free wide. Its position is between Tormentos Reef and the Chankanaab Reef. Visitors to the reef will find its long length to be an amazing show of marine life. While the natural coral reefs are often more impressive, this unique shipwreck is impressive in its own right. Visitors to Cozumel who love diving should make a trip here.
