Top 3 Boat Dives in San Diego
1. Point Loma Kelp Forest
Point Loma Kelp Forest starts at a depth of about 45' and has a huge diversity of sealife. You can see seven gill sharks, angle sharks, giant sea bass to name a few. Looking up at the kelp while on the bottom is one of my favorite pastimes while diving the area.
2. HMCS Yukon Ship Wreck
The Yukon is an advanced dive with the top of the ship in about 60' feet of water. The Yukon can be dark, cold and surgy so make sure you're confidant in those conditions or hire a guide. For more info take a look at the videos we've collected of this beautiful wreck.
3. Old Ingraham Street Bridge
Old Ingrahm Street Bridge is another of my favorite dives in wreck alley. This is the reminiscence of the old bridge located in Mission bay. It was demolished and replaced with a new bridge and the concrete structure was dumped in the ocean for us to dive. Check out the video of this dive down below.
Point Loma Kelp ForestDive into the mesmerizing underwater world of Point Loma's Kelp Beds in San Diego. Average depth here is 60' with water temps in the mid 50s and visibility in the 20' range. Witness sea lions, seals, 7-gill sharks, nudibranchs and schools of vibrant fish among the reefs and lush forests. The intricate reef structure, adorned with swaying kelp forms a serene backdrop for exploration.
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His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) YukonThe HMCS Yukon, a Canadian destroyer measuring 366' long and 40' wide that sits in about 100' of water. Its the most popular wreck dive in San Diego so we've created a page dedicated to the Yukon
Franko map of the dive site (Amazon) |
Ingraham Street BridgeIn 1992, the California Department of Fish and Game submerged a section of the Ingraham Street Bridge offshore, offering divers a thrilling exploration opportunity. Resting at 65 feet deep, this captivating dive site showcases the bridge's remains scattered across a wide expanse. Teeming with marine life, the area boasts an impressive underwater ecosystem and fascinating structural elements. One of the highlights is a remarkable 50-foot segment of roadway resting gracefully beneath the waves. This submerged relic provides a unique backdrop for an engaging and enjoyable dive, where history and marine biodiversity intertwine. Prepare to embark on an exciting underwater adventure, discovering the hidden treasures and vibrant inhabitants of the sunken Ingraham Street Bridge.
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Ruby E WreckThe Ruby E Sits in about 85’ of water with the deck sitting at about 65'. It was the second vessel sunk in ‘Wreck Ally’ in 1989 and its showing signs of age. At some point, the wheel house slid off the deck and into the sand and the structure may not be stable.
At 165’ long, The Ruby E is less than half the length of the Yukon which makes seeing the entire ship on a single dive possible. Currently, it’s known for its diverse marine life with a variety of fish species, nudibranchs and other sea life that have made the wreck their home over the years. Exploring the Ruby E shipwreck offers divers a chance to experience maritime history, witness marine ecosystems, and enjoy a captivating underwater adventure in the waters of San Diego. 32.766806, -117.276139 |
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Naval Ocean Systems Center (NOSC) TowerThe NOSC Tower is a unique submerged structure off San Diego's coast. Originally a 100-foot steel tower erected in 1959, the Tower became a fixed platform for naval research, exploring ocean conditions and chemistry. An unexpected rogue wave during a 1988 storm transformed it into a tangle of metal, now sitting on the sea floor.
Situated within the renowned "Wreck Alley," the Tower stands as the area's only true wreck, unlike other intentionally sunken vessels. The wreckage, adorned with colorful marine life, showcases mussels, crabs, shrimp, scallops, and sea stars. While currents are mild and visibility varies, the Tower's captivating history and marine inhabitants make it a rewarding dive site for all levels of divers. 32.772667, -117.268556 |
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El ReyThe El Rey, formerly a kelp cutter employed for harvesting kelp, now rests upright in approximately 85 feet of water, with its deck perched at around 75 feet. As a pioneer wreck sunk in the renowned 'Wreck Alley' back in 1985, it has since become a thriving habitat for marine life. Measuring a bit shorter than the Ruby E, the El Rey spans 100 feet in length and 35 feet in width. Its predominantly flat deck offers relatively straightforward navigation.
There aren't any mooring balls attached to the wreck so boats must drop anchor instead. Because of this, the El Rey isn't always visible when you drop down the anchor line.. A common practice involves descending the anchor line and attaching line from your reel to the anchor, then extending then line from the anchor to the wreck. Upon reaching the wreck divers place the reel at the edge of the wreck which helps ensure a seamless return journey to the anchor line after a comprehensive exploration of the ship. Alternately, if the anchor landed close enough to the wreck you can move it closer and drop it in the sand along the edge of the wreck so you can easily find it at the end of your dive. Dive into the depths and discover the El Rey's fascinating history, vibrant marine ecosystem, and its role as a captivating underwater destination in the heart of 'Wreck Alley'. |
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Point Loma Sea CliffsExplore the remarkable underwater world of the San Diego coastline's submerged ancient sandstone sea cliffs, formed during the Ice Age and now offering captivating dives. These cliffs, now submerged due to rising sea levels, provide a unique diving experience. Massive kelp beds flourish until they abruptly meet the edge of the submarine cliffs, which range from 65 to 115 feet deep.
The wall's rugged profile, vertical drops, rocky ledges, and undercuts host a rich marine ecosystem, including lobster, sea anemones, sea stars, scallops, rockfish, lingcod, and occasional seven-gill sharks and yellowtail. Dive conditions are usually favorable, with 30 feet of visibility on average and currents are manageable for experienced divers. Charter boats from Mission Bay provide access to the opportunity to witness nature's artistry in the Sea Cliffs off Point Loma. |
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USS HoganThe USS Hogan sits on the sea floor at about 125'. It was launched in 1919, served in World War II. Originally a destroyer and later converted to a high-speed minesweeper. In World War II, Hogan escorted convoys, participated in the invasion of North Africa, and engaged in sweeping operations in various Pacific campaigns.
The ship played a key role in the Marianas operation, Saipan and Guam invasions, and the recapture of the Philippines. Hogan underwent repairs, was reclassified as AG-105, and used as a target ship for bombing tests before being sunk off San Diego in November 1945. 32.529000, -117.209500 |
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Train WheelsThe "Train Wheels," are a unique and intriguing site located off Point Loma in San Diego.
Located around one thousand yards offshore, the site is named after a set of train wheels that curiously lie in this underwater environment. The topography features three separate reefs that merge without touching, forming an "upside-down Y-shaped" canyon. Exploring this canyon reveals stunning walls adorned with strawberry anemones, sulfur sponges, and large grey sponges. The reef's residents include gorgonians, nudibranchs, starfish, ronquiles, gobies, sheephead, and inquisitive lingcod. Descending to 100 feet near the canyon's entrance, the out-of-place train wheels offer an eerie spectacle, now embraced as homes by a variety of marine creatures. While current can be a challenge due to tidal flow, this rich bio-diverse area offers excellent visibility for macro and wide-angle photography, making it a photographer's paradise. It's important to carry a safety sausage due to potential currents and passing vessels in the region. Overall, "Train Wheels" promises an exciting and memorable dive for those exploring the depths off Point Loma. 32.652028, -117.262444 |
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F4 Phantom & P-38 LightningTake a look at a great article on the Phantom over at Wrecked In My Revo. Brett is an amazing tech diver that researches, finds and explorers many of the deep wrecks of the coast of California. His site is the number one resources for these type of wrecks. Spend some time browsing his site when you have the chance.
F4 Depth: 150' P-38 Depth: 130+' California Diving News writeup on the P-38 |
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Missile TowerThe Trident Missile Tower, part of the California Fish and Game Artificial Reef program, was sunk off the US/Mexico border in 1992. Starting at about 165' it's accessible only to trained technical divers and trimix users. Standing about 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide, the tower was once a launching platform for Trident, Polaris, or Poseidon submarine-based missiles. Covered in white Metridium anemones and Corynactis anemones, the tower hosts rockfish, sea bass, and other marine life, making it a favored spot for underwater photographers. While wide-angle and macro photography thrives here, hunting is discouraged due to depth. Accessible only by boat, the dive site is characterized by depths of 165 feet, strong currents, surge, boat traffic, and fishing lines, making it a technical diving endeavor reserved for the experienced.
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