El Rey has a depth range of 18–26 metres (59–85 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.

Can beginners dive El Rey?

El Rey is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Advanced Open Water recommended (deep) certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive El Rey?

The best time to dive El Rey is typically Fall and winter for best visibility; diveable year-round conditions permitting. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at El Rey?

Divers at El Rey in United States commonly report sightings of Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), Red gorgonian, Barred sand bass, California spiny lobster, and Sea stars. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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IntermediateBoat entry

El Rey

California, United States

AOW suggested18–26 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

El Rey at a glance

El Rey is a intermediate boat dive site in California, United States with depths of 18–26 m (59–85 ft). Typically most favorable Jun–Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), Red gorgonian, and Barred sand bass. Recent reports put the water around 24°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 3h ago

1.2 mwaves — about a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 24°C · seasonal avg 21°C

Site hazards: Depth near recreational limits of nitrox-friendly range, occasional currents, monofilament fishing line, low visibility during plankton blooms, cold water

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Thu

Sun6:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–20:00

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:32 · Sunrise 5:59 · Sunset 19:52

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 3.4 km from site · graded 3h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), Red gorgonian, Barred sand bass

Best time: Fall and winter for best visibility; diveable year-round conditions permitting

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan70%15°C1.3 m
Feb66%15°C1.4 m
Mar62%15°C1.4 m
Apr89%16°C1.2 m
May96%18°C1.1 m
Jun100%20°C1.1 m
Jul100%21°C1.0 m
Aug98%22°C1.1 m
Sep99%22°C1.0 m
Oct92%20°C1.1 m
Nov91%18°C1.1 m
Dec88%17°C1.1 m

June and July havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life recorded at this site, by month

Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica)Commonly seen
Red gorgonianCommonly seen
Barred sand bassCommonly seen
California spiny lobsterCommonly seen
Sea starsCommonly seen
Nudibranchs (lemon dorid)Occasionally seen

Rochinia tanneri recorded here Aug (1 record)
most recent 2015

Counts are occurrence records near this site from public biodiversity datasets (GBIF), grouped by calendar month across all sampled years. Sightings vary — past records are context, not a prediction.

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Spear Shack3.5 km
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Ocean Enterprises12.8 km
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Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Site details

The El Rey is a 100-foot, 133-ton kelp-harvesting vessel that cut kelp for Kelco for 41 years before being scuttled by a Navy demolition team on April 2, 1987, becoming the first ship sunk in San Diego's Wreck Alley off Mission Beach. She sits in roughly 75-85 feet of water and is densely overgrown with red gorgonians and strawberry anemones. A compact, easily navigated wreck often paired with the Ruby E or Yukon on two-tank charters.

boatreefwreck

Depth near recreational limits of nitrox-friendly range, occasional currents, monofilament fishing line, low visibility during plankton blooms, cold water

Reviews

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