San Diego, California, United States

Wreck Alley (San Diego)

Wreck Alley is the local nickname for the cluster of artificial reef wrecks sunk by the San Diego Oceans Foundation about 2 km off Mission Beach to provide structure for marine life and a regular dive playground for the city. The cluster includes the 111-metre former Canadian destroyer HMCS Yukon, the 50-metre Coast Guard cutter Ruby E and the 30-metre fishing trawler El Rey, plus the research platform NOSC Tower (Naval Ocean Systems Center research tower) sunk in pieces alongside. All sit in 24 to 30 metres on the same sand plain and operators run the alley as multi-tank days. The structures are carpeted in metridium anemones, hydroids and sponges, and host large lingcod, blue rockfish, sheephead, the occasional giant black sea bass, schools of blacksmith and California sea lions cruising through. Visibility 6 to 18 metres depending on plankton and runoff. Intermediate certification recommended; the Yukon is on her side and advanced for penetration.