Day 2 started great; waking up to this view every morning is fantastic.

Today’s dives were great; I got to see some great coral walls and tunnels.

The Wreck Dive

I was signed up for a wreck dive in the afternoon. This is my first wreck dive, and it went very well. I was worried at first, but once I was there, it was amazing.

HISTORY OF THE C-53 WRECK

The C-53 was built in Tampa in 1944 at the Wilson Marine Ship Works. It was built as a mine sweeper for service during World War II and named under Scuffles. After the war in 1946, it was decommissioned.

In 1962, the C-53 was discharged and sold to the Mexican Navy. It was converted into an Admiral Class Gunboat and retitled ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C53). It was named after Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl, who was a General in the Mexican Army.

The C-53 was purchased to guard the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in Search & Rescue operations. In addition to providing surveillance of illegal arms and drug trafficking.

Felipe Xicoténcatl (Cozumel C-53 shipwreck) provided 37 years of assistance to the Mexican Navy and finally retired in 1999.

DEPTH

(50′-70’/15m-21m)

DIMENSIONS

The C-53 is 184 feet (56 meters) long and 33 feet (10 meters) wide. It was sunk to the bottom of the Caribbean perfectly upright. It rests on the seabed 70 feet (21 meters) from the surface.

The Cozumel C-53 wreck stands 40 feet (12 meters) from the seabed, permitting divers to reach the wreckage by descending 30 feet (9 meters) from the surface.

LOCATION

It was sunk in Cozumel in June of 2000.

The location chosen for the wreck is just offshore from Chankanaab Park. The site was selected for many reasons, including easy access for divers in an area sheltered from strong currents. It was lodged on a giant sand bar where the ship would not cause any damage to the existing reef structures.

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So this being my second trip to Mexico, this was my first time to Cozumel, and five days of diving to look forward to. We had arrived the day before at the Scuba Club Resort and did a quick dive to test weights and gear.

The dive boat leaves at 8 am, and I was at the dock at 7:30, LOL, heading out on two tank dives. Getting back in the saltwater was great, but I sucked down both tanks pretty quickly while readjusting and dealing with my dive partner. It was her first real saltwater dive. Overall the dive was bland, with nothing of note, pretty murky water.

The Food

After the dive, we got cleaned up and started into town. The day before, we got caught in the rain and stopped at a restaurant in the tourist zone; that was a mistake. So today, we ventured into town away from the cruise ships and resorts and ended up at Taqueria Diaz 100% at v. Lic. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell 150, 10 de Abril, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico.

OMG this place was AMAZING, we both ate and had a drink. and the bill was $12. Needless to say we ate it alot on the trip, and hope to go back. I found the weather most agreeable, a nice 85f. The people were very nice in general, the ventors in the tourist zones are very pushy and just have to walk by and dont engage.

All in all the first day was great start.

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So been wanting to get a gear list up. I’m swapping stuff out a lot, so things change but I like this setup for now. I buy most of my stuff second-hand and repair and rebuild them myself. People say Scuba Diving is expensive, but it’s not. You just have to know how to get what you need, you don’t need new just maintained. Having a good understanding of your equipment and how to maintain it is key in my opinion. I am not an expert and don’t claim to be but knowledge of your gear is a priority if you dive a lot.

Mask/Snorkel – Sherwood Oracle Mask ($100) & Scuba Choice Silicone Roll-up Nautilus Snorkel ($30)

BCD – AQUALUNG MALIBU BCD ($150) with ScubaPro Air2 ($75)

Regulator – Mares Abyss ($75)

Computer – Suunto Cobra ($100)

Fins – Zeagle Recon ($200)

Wetsuits – 2mm Shorty ($40) and 3mm Full ($60)

Tanks – 2x LUXFER ALUMINUM S-80 CF CUBIC FOOT 3000 PSI SCUBA TANK CYLINDER ($120)

I dive with 8-10lbs fresh water and 10-15lbs salt water. When I travel I take everything except my tanks and weights, it all fits nicely in my suitcase. I keep all my gear in a tote so I can just through it in the car when I head to the lake. I like it simple and nothing fancy.

I do have plans to find a Pelican Case for travel. Feel free to comment and share your gear or recommendations, or have any questions.

Should I get some split fins? LOL Let me know some of your favorite dive spots. Im always looking for new spots to add to my list. I hoping to get a few more spots added next year. I plan on going back to Egypt next year again since I lost 2 day of time time due to weather.

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This weekend at the lake, I got to finish up my PADI Rescue Diver Cert, this weekend at the lake. I started it in Oct of 2021 and had to wait out the winter. The first dive of the year at the quarry was good but cold. First dive I only had my 3mm full wetsuit on, and had to put on my 2mm shorty on the next ones. That warmed up my core pretty well, water temp at 15ft was 54f, 69f on the surface.

I completed all my RD dives on Saturday, and fun dived Sunday. Since my girlfriend was completing her OW. I plan to get a couple more specialties with PADI and get Master Scuba Diver then pop over to SSI and get my Dive Master since my LDS switched.

On to take my next specialties, Nitrox, Equipment Specialist, Dry-Suit, & Search & Recovery. Then I will be able to apply for MSD. No, I don’t need all these certs but the training is fun, and learn new things. I like to dive and learn or do something while in the water.

I think I got my gear all set up the way I like it, still working on a few little things. I will post up my gear list and cost soon. I buy most of my stuff used and I do rebuild most of it myself. I find knowing my gear down to the smallest bit. It helps me in and out of the water with issues and having redundancy is a must.

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Had a great time diving with Scuba Aquatic at Grand Bahia Principe Coba resort in Mexico just south of Cancun. So the girlfriend planned a 4-day trip to Mexico, and I said I had to dive for at least one day. So she got me a two-tank dive for Saturday.

The excursion started at 8:45 am, and I got there at 7:30ish. They supply everything you need, but I brought all my gear, so I just needed weights and a tank. I was using an untested BCD and new unused fins, a reg I haven’t used since I rebuilt it. Needless to say, a few no-nos, LOL. But I had tested and checked them out beforehand, and all looked fine; the reg was breathing 10x better than it has.

The dive team was great and very helpful. The dives went off without a hitch; everything worked great, the new BCD and Fins are amazing love them.

First, Dive the Turtle Reef with SCUBA Aquatic

So after gearing up and heading the boat, we dove into the Turtle Reef. Saw some great turtles and stingrays. We only had three other divers with the divemaster and me. It was a nice and mellow smooth dive. The DM had a leaking connection to the tank. So he had so many bubbles I was worried he would run out of air before we did. I signaled him and was waved off. Later talking to the other dive, he reminded me those guys use such little air, LOL.

Second Dive…

The next dive was clams and crabs; not that interesting, LOL. But it was a good dive, and lots of fish to see. I found myself practicing for my upcoming Rescue Diver Open Water in a few weeks, LOL. We finished the dive and headed back to the resort.

My new GoPro 10 worked great; it had a few things to get used to, but I’m super happy with it. I’ll post up my gear when I get back.

About Grand Bahia Principe Coba

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach vacation with plenty of dining options, visiting the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is definitely worth considering. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this resort offers everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

One of the main draws of the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is its beach access. The resort boasts a stunning white sand beach stretching miles along the Caribbean Sea. You can spend your days lounging on the sand, soaking up the sun, and dipping in crystal-clear waters. The beach is also perfect for water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.

In addition to the beach, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba offers several swimming pools, including a children’s pool and a large pool with a swim-up bar. You can spend your days lounging poolside, sipping on a refreshing drink, and taking a dip to cool off the day’s heat.

Regarding dining options, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba has something for everyone. The resort features several restaurants, including a buffet-style restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a steakhouse. There is also a snack bar and several bars throughout the resort, so you can always find a spot to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

One of the highlights of the dining experience at the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is the buffet-style restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide variety of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian dishes. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The buffet-style restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can always find something to satisfy your hunger.

If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the resort’s Mexican and Italian restaurants are worth visiting. The Mexican restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, while the Italian restaurant serves up classic Italian fare, such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. Both restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, creating a truly enjoyable dining experience.

The snack bar is a great choice if you’re looking for a more casual dining option. The snack bar offers burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and other quick bites that are perfect for a mid-day snack or late-night munchies. There are also several bars throughout the resort, serving up refreshing cocktails and other beverages.

Overall, visiting the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is an excellent choice for those looking for a beach vacation with plenty of dining options. The resort offers easy access to a stunning beach, swimming pools, and water sports. The dining options are varied and delicious, with something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. With its natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and delicious cuisine, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is a great choice for your next vacation.

Scuba Aquatic at Grand Bahia Principe Tips

Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the beauty of the underwater world. If you’re planning a vacation to the Grand Bahia Principe resort, you won’t miss out on the opportunity to scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Here are some tips and reviews to help you maximize your scuba diving experience at the Grand Bahia Principe.

Tip #1: Choose the right dive center

The Grand Bahia Principe resort has its own dive center, Scubaquatic, which offers scuba diving and snorkeling excursions. Choosing a reputable and experienced dive center is important to ensure your safety and enjoyment while diving. Scubaquatic has highly trained and certified instructors and offers a range of courses and excursions suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Tip #2: Book in advance

Scuba diving is popular, especially in tropical destinations like the Grand Bahia Principe. It’s a good idea to book your scuba diving excursion in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book directly with Scubaquatic online or in person at the resort.

Tip #3: Get certified

If you’re new to scuba diving, taking a certification course is highly recommended. Scubaquatic offers a range of courses, from beginner to advanced, to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and enjoyable diving. The PADI Open Water Diver course is popular for beginners and can be completed in just a few days.

Review #1: “Amazing experience”

“I recently went scuba diving with Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe, and it was an amazing experience. The dive center was very professional, and the instructors were knowledgeable and friendly. The dive was breathtaking, with colorful coral reefs and various marine life, including turtles and tropical fish. I highly recommend Scubaquatic to anyone looking for a memorable scuba diving experience.”

Review #2: “Great for beginners”

“I had never scuba-dived before but decided to try it while on the Grand Bahia Principe vacation. Scubaquatic was great for beginners like me. The instructors were patient and made sure we felt comfortable before we went on our dive. The dive was incredible, with clear water and interesting marine life. I’m so glad I tried scuba diving and would definitely do it again with Scubaquatic.”

Review #3: “Professional and safe”

“I’ve been scuba diving for years and have tried many different dive centers worldwide. Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe is one of the best I’ve experienced. The staff is highly professional, and safety is always their top priority. The dive sites were varied and interesting, with plenty of marine life. I highly recommend Scubaquatic to anyone looking for a great diving experience.”

Tip #4: Bring your own gear

While Scubaquatic provides all the necessary scuba diving equipment, if you have your own gear, it’s a good idea to bring it along. Using your own gear can help ensure a comfortable and familiar diving experience.

Tip #5: Follow the rules

Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity when proper precautions are taken. It’s important to follow the rules and guidelines set by Scubaquatic to ensure your safety and the safety of others while diving. Listen carefully to your instructor’s briefing and follow all instructions while diving.

In conclusion, scuba diving with Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. By following these tips and reading reviews from other divers, you can make the most of your scuba.

Contact Nate if you have any questions on our contact page