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Map of Frolic Wreck
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AdvancedShore entry

Frolic Wreck

California, United States
AOW suggested3–18 m depthShore entry7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Frolic Wreck at a glance

Frolic Wreck is a advanced shore dive site in California, United States with depths of 3–18 m (10–59 ft). Typically most favorable Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Red abalone, Rockfish, and Bull kelp. Recent reports put the water around 14°C (58°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded just now
1.5 mwaves — about a meter and a half expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 14°C · seasonal avg 12°C

Site hazards: Heavy North Coast surge and swell in shallow surge channels, long surface swim to the wreck scatter, cold water, kelp, remote location with no facilities; only diveable on calm days

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

No dive windows in this week’s forecast — no stretch of daylight hours scored favorable or moderate for this site.

First light 12:41 · Sunrise 13:12 · Sunset 3:31

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 3.4 km from site · graded just now

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

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: Red abalone, Rockfish
Best time: Flat-calm summer and fall days only; site is frequently blown out

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.

  1. Jan4%12°C3.6 m
  2. Feb0%11°C3.6 m
  3. Mar1%11°C3.3 m
  4. Apr4%11°C2.7 m
  5. May0%10°C2.7 m
  6. Jun7%10°C2.7 m
  7. Jul17%12°C2.3 m
  8. Aug20%14°C2.0 m
  9. Sep14%14°C2.4 m
  10. Oct5%14°C2.7 m
  11. Nov8%14°C3.2 m
  12. Dec5%13°C3.3 m

August hastypically 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 seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • Red abaloneCommonly seen
  • RockfishCommonly seen
  • Bull kelpSeasonal
  • LingcodOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Site details

The Frolic was a 97-foot Baltimore-built opium-trade brig that struck the reef north of Point Cabrillo on the night of July 25, 1850, while carrying Chinese silk, porcelain and other Gold Rush cargo to San Francisco; the wreck indirectly triggered the founding of the Mendocino lumber industry. Scattered remains (ballast, fittings, porcelain shards) lie among ridges, boulders and surge channels in Frolic Cove. A historically significant but demanding shore dive for calm days only; the site is protected and nothing may be removed.

reefshorewreck

Heavy North Coast surge and swell in shallow surge channels, long surface swim to the wreck scatter, cold water, kelp, remote location with no facilities; only diveable on calm days

Reviews

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