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IntermediateBoat entry

Train Wheels

California, United States
AOW suggested18–30 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Train Wheels at a glance

Train Wheels is a 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 Nudibranchs, Giant kelp, and Rockfish. Recent reports put the water around 23°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 4h ago
1.2 mwaves — about a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 23°C · seasonal avg 21°C

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

Best: Fri
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 19:51

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 6.8 km from site · graded 4h ago

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: Nudibranchs, Giant kelp, 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. Jan41%15°C2.0 m
  2. Feb48%15°C2.0 m
  3. Mar42%15°C2.0 m
  4. Apr69%16°C1.6 m
  5. May80%18°C1.4 m
  6. Jun89%19°C1.3 m
  7. Jul99%21°C1.2 m
  8. Aug96%21°C1.2 m
  9. Sep92%22°C1.2 m
  10. Oct71%20°C1.4 m
  11. Nov62%18°C1.6 m
  12. Dec59%17°C1.8 m

July 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

  • NudibranchsCommonly seen
  • Giant kelpCommonly seen
  • RockfishCommonly seen
  • California sheepheadCommonly seen
  • California spiny lobsterOccasionally seen
  • GaribaldiCommonly seen

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.

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

Reviews

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