Directions to Adventure

HMCS Yukon

Location

1.85 miles off Mission Beach, San Diego.
GPS coordinates: 32º 46’ 48” N, 117º 17’ 7.2” W. Marked with mooring buoys (typically 4 in place; bow, forward guns, midship and stern).

Skill Level

Intermediate or better. Special training and gear required for penetration.

General Information
At 366 feet long, even in good visibility and a long dive, it is hard to fully comprehend the size and scope of the wreck.Since its sinking on July 14, 2000, more and more marine life are calling this artificial reef home.

That was the whole point of the Yukon being sunk in 2000 — increased marine life and enhancement of the marine environment. Survey divers that checked out the site in the late '90s found mostly barren sand and mud plain. Now, thanks to the Yukon, this place, just 1.85 miles off Mission Beach, is thriving with fish and invertebrates — “biomass” scientists call it. In diver terms, this means lots of critters to see and photograph.

She was meant to be intentionally sunk by the San Diego Oceans Foundation as part of an artificial reef project. Unfortunately, prior to sinking, she was overtaken by high swells the night before her intended sinking date and currently rests on her port side. She has been prepared for divers with an abundance of entry/exit holes to increase accessibility and diver safety. Penetration is readily available for those with the proper skill level and gear requirements.

Marine Life

This underwater reef is home to hundreds of Plumose anenome (Metridium senile). Locatedpredominantly in the 80 – 100 feet depth range, this spectacular anemone exists in white, brown and orange forms. Kelp Bass, Surf Perch and Lingcod galore! Occasional Sheephead, stingrays, Sand bass, and Senioritas are common, as well as Sea Hares, and Nudibranchs .This dive site is densely populated with marine life, you dont need to look hard to find marine life, it is usually very obvious.

 

Conditions

The conditions are usually good, with favorable visibility. The bottom compostion is flat and sandy. Be aware of any currents and surge. Currents are typically steady but mild. Watch out, however, for surge creating suction near openings in the wreck

Depth

Top of the structure at 65 to 105 feet at the bottom. Average dive depth 85 feet.

Visibility

Variable in the shallows due to plankton blooms, but typically very good at depth. 10-60'

Photography

Excellent wide-angle with wreck angles. Good macro for many creatures.

--> Download a Yukon Dive Site PDF <--

--> HMCS Yukon Statistics <--

--> HMCS Yukon History <--

Call to Book Your Adventure Today !

(619) 873-STAR