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IntermediateBoat entry

Train Wheels

California, United States
AOW suggested18–30 m (59–98 ft) depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Train Wheels at a glance

Train Wheels is an intermediate boat dive site in California, United States with depths of 18–30 m (59–98 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Nudibranch, California sheephead, and Rockfish. Recent reports put the water around 25°C (77°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Next window today· 8:00–19:00 · favorable · sunset 18:03

Forecast for this hour · 1:00 · run 2 h ago
0.9 m (2.9 ft)waves — under a meter expected (waves — about three feet expected)

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 25°C · seasonal avg 20°C ( · Forecast 77°F · seasonal avg 68°F)

Site hazards: Frequent tidal currents, depth (wheels at ~95-100 ft), kelp entanglement near the canopy, reduced visibility during plankton blooms, boat traffic

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Mon8:00–19:00 favorable

0.9 m waves · 10 kn wind (2.9 ft waves · 10 kn wind)

Tue8:00–19:00 favorable

1.1 m waves · 6 kn wind (3.5 ft waves · 6 kn wind)

Wed8:00–19:00 favorable

1.1 m waves · 5 kn wind (3.4 ft waves · 5 kn wind)

Thu8:00–19:00 favorable

1.0 m waves · 5 kn wind (3.1 ft waves · 5 kn wind)

Fri8:00–18:00 favorable

0.9 m waves · 6 kn wind (3.1 ft waves · 6 kn wind)

Sat8:00–18:00 favorable

1.0 m waves · 5 kn wind (3.3 ft waves · 5 kn wind)

SunNot in the forecast yet

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wave and wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:36 · Sunrise 7:01 · Sunset 18:03 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 6.8 km from site · updated 25 Oct, 22:26 GMT-7

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near Train Wheels

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.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Nudibranch, California sheephead, Rockfish
Best time: Fall and winter for the best visibility; plan around tidal current windows

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. January, 41% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (60°F), waves have typically been 2.0 m (6.7 ft), wind has typically been 13 knots
  2. February, 48% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (59°F), waves have typically been 2.0 m (6.4 ft), wind has typically been 14 knots
  3. March, 42% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (59°F), waves have typically been 2.0 m (6.4 ft), wind has typically been 14 knots
  4. April, 69% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 16°C (60°F), waves have typically been 1.6 m (5.1 ft), wind has typically been 12 knots
  5. May, 80% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 18°C (64°F), waves have typically been 1.4 m (4.7 ft), wind has typically been 11 knots
  6. June, 89% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 19°C (66°F), waves have typically been 1.3 m (4.4 ft), wind has typically been 10 knots
  7. July, 99% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 21°C (70°F), waves have typically been 1.2 m (3.9 ft), wind has typically been 10 knots, historically most favorable
  8. August, 96% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 21°C (70°F), waves have typically been 1.2 m (4.0 ft), wind has typically been 10 knots
  9. September, 92% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 22°C (71°F), waves have typically been 1.2 m (4.0 ft), wind has typically been 11 knots
  10. October, 71% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 20°C (68°F), waves have typically been 1.4 m (4.7 ft), wind has typically been 11 knots
  11. November, 62% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 18°C (65°F), waves have typically been 1.6 m (5.1 ft), wind has typically been 11 knots
  12. December, 59% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 17°C (63°F), waves have typically been 1.8 m (5.7 ft), wind has typically been 10 knots

July has typically 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

Rough labels: “Commonly seen” usually means two or more recorded sightings near this site in public dive logs (GBIF), “Occasionally seen” one; “Seasonal” and “Rarely seen” come from dive-guide research. Not a measured rate.

Fills & rentals nearby

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

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

Train Wheels is a quirky Point Loma boat dive where two full-sized sets of train wheels on their axles rest in a rocky slot canyon at about 95-100 feet, possibly dumped as ship ballast or during a Navy exercise. The surrounding terrain sits within one of Southern California's largest and healthiest kelp forests, with prime diving between 60 and 80 feet along ledges and canyon walls. Reliable macro life - especially nudibranchs - and dramatic kelp seascapes make it a favorite with photographers; tidal currents are common.

boatreefwreck

Frequent tidal currents, depth (wheels at ~95-100 ft), kelp entanglement near the canopy, reduced visibility during plankton blooms, boat traffic

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