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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.
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.
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Operated by Riviera Charters · Dana Point, California
Off the sun-dappled coast of Dana Point, California, lies an underwater realm that calls seasoned divers to uncover its mysteries: the A.C.E. wreck. This 58-foot vessel, now a fascinating underwater landmark resting at a depth of 113 feet, has transformed from a history-steeped ship to a vibrant marine habitat alive with colorful fish and intricate coral growth. Dive the A.C.E. is a highly specialized, advanced dive experience offered aboard the Riviera, a comfortable dive boat engineered for safety and intimacy, accommodating only 10 divers per trip.
Dana Point itself is renowned throughout Southern California for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and world-class conditions that make it a diver’s dream. The A.C.E. wreck stands out as a unique destination in this region, combining historical intrigue with the chance to see thriving ocean wildlife in a relatively unexplored setting. The site’s depth and complexity provide a challenging yet rewarding dive that’s well suited for experienced underwater explorers who want to move beyond shallow reef diving.
What sets this operation apart is the flawless blend of adventure and attention to detail. Riviera’s expert crew prioritizes diver safety and comfort, offering thorough briefings and personalized guidance while maintaining a small group size that ensures everyone can enjoy the dive without feeling rushed or crowded. The vessel is perfectly equipped for the dives, with spacious deck areas for gear prep and a smooth ride to and from the wreck site offshore.
The A.C.E. wreck is a living monument beneath the waves: a structural grid of beams and rusted hull plates provides shelter to schools of rockfish, garibaldi, and a surprising variety of nudibranchs and anemones. The wreck also offers interesting structural elements to explore, creating varied underwater terrain that tests buoyancy control and dive planning skills.
Dana Point also boasts a rich maritime culture, with nearby museums and whale watching tours that complement the underwater adventure. Responsible diving practices are emphasized here to protect the fragile marine ecosystem, encouraging divers to minimize contact and adhere to best environmental standards.
For divers looking to elevate their Pacific experience, Dive the A.C.E. presents a unique blend of historical wreck exploration, marine biology, and expertly guided adventure. Discover why this is one of Southern California’s premier dive experiences and why every descent into these waters tells a story worth hearing.
challenging.
4–6 hours.
Good physical fitness for boat transfers and multiple dives at depth required.
The wreck rests at 113 feet, so divers should be comfortable diving to this depth.
Divers must hold at least an advanced open water certification and have experience with deep dives.
Yes, basic dive gear and tanks can be rented, but advanced dive computers and SMBs are recommended to bring.
Trips are limited to 10 divers to maintain a safe and personalized experience.
Expect to see rockfish, garibaldi, various nudibranchs, anemones, and other local reef species.
No, this dive is intended for experienced, certified divers due to depth and complexity.
The A.C.E. wreck is a deliberately sunk vessel that has become a vital artificial reef and dive attraction since the early 2000s.
Diving operators follow strict environmental protocols to minimize impact, encouraging divers to respect underwater habitats and reduce gear contact.
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.
Book with Riviera Charters