Explore the A.C.E. wreck off Dana Point, California, a 58-foot vessel resting at 113 feet deep, now teeming with marine life. This advanced dive offers exclusive access aboard the Riviera, blending history, marine beauty, and expert guidance.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Good physical fitness for boat transfers and multiple dives at depth required.
Wildlife
History
The A.C.E. wreck is a deliberately sunk vessel that has become a vital artificial reef and dive attraction since the early 2000s.
Conservation
Diving operators follow strict environmental protocols to minimize impact, encouraging divers to respect underwater habitats and reduce gear contact.
Riviera Charters
Explore the A.C.E. wreck off Dana Point, California, a 58-foot vessel resting at 113 feet deep, now teeming with marine life. This advanced dive offers exclusive access aboard the Riviera, blending history, marine beauty, and expert guidance.
Riviera Charters is a Dana Point, CA-based dive and private charter operator that runs dive trips, memorial services, and coastal cruises aboard the vessel Riviera. The business offers a range of experiences including Local 2-Tank Dives, Dive the New Saturnia, Women's Dive Day, Club 949 Dive Trip, Burials At Sea, Private Coastal Cruise, Lobster Dive, and Dive the A.C.E. Each dive trip highlights Southern California dive sites such as Broadway Pipeline and Deadman's Reef and is supported by a professional crew focused on safety and comfort.
Several trips are limited to just 10 divers, providing spacious decks and individualized attention. The Lobster Dive operates as a night dive aboard a 40-foot custom vessel designed for safety and comfort. The New Saturnia trip explores the Sann, an 82-foot sunken fishing vessel discovered in 2018 and typically visited at depths around 140 feet for experienced divers. Dive the A.C.E. visits a 58-foot wreck located at about 113 feet and is presented as an advanced dive.
Private Coastal Cruise guests can expect sightings of dolphins and migrating whales while cruising past coastal landmarks, with options to relax in a climate-controlled cabin or on an open-air deck and enjoy refreshments. Burials At Sea services include professional handling of remains, customizable ceremonies, and an option to capture the service on video. Women's Dive Day supports PADI Women’s Dive Days with a four-hour community-focused experience aboard the Riviera. Reservations and trip details are available through Riviera Charters based in Dana Point, California. Contact information listed online.
Location
Dana Point, CA
Operating from Dana Point harbor
Small Groups
10 Divers Max
Spacious trips with individualized attention
Vessel
Riviera
Comfortable charter vessel
Trip Types
8 Experiences
Dives, cruises, memorials, private charters
Reserve a small-group dive, private coastal cruise, or burial at sea from Dana Point — secure spots are limited to keep trips comfortable and safe.
Advanced dive skills required
This wreck sits at 113 feet and requires divers to have advanced certification and comfort with deep dives.
Bring surface marker buoys
Use SMBs for safety and to alert the boat during ascents in this deeper dive environment.
Check local weather conditions
Ocean conditions can shift quickly; verify weather and water state before your booking.
Respect marine life
Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid touching the wreck or wildlife to protect the ecosystem.
Advanced dive computer
Essential for monitoring depth, time, and decompression limits on this deep wreck dive.
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Critical for safe ascents and signaling to the boat in open water.
Full wetsuit (7mm recommended)
Keeps divers warm in the variable Pacific waters around Dana Point.
spring;fall;winter;summer
Underwater torch
Helpful for exploring shadowed areas of the wreck and spotting marine life details.