Cress Street - California

Cress Street isn’t just some random pile of metal. This is the remains of a Prohibition-era rum runner, a bona fide piece of history lying just off Laguna Beach. At only 9m, it’s a brilliant spot for newer divers, but don’t mistake easy access for a lack of interest. We love how the hull plates are now completely draped in anemones – brilliant orange and purple jewels waving in the surge, making the steel feel alive. The wreck itself is scattered, really, more a collection of ribs and plates than a defined ship, but that’s part of its charm. You can cruise over sections of the old engine block, now home to grumpy-looking cabezon, or poke around the twisted hull where garibaldi dart in and out of the crevices. Look for the nudibranchs here, especially the Spanish shawls, bright against the rusty metal. Our favourite part? The way the kelp fronds sway over the entire site, creating these shafts of green light through the water, making it feel ancient and a little mysterious. Best dived at high slack tide to avoid the strongest surge and give you the clearest views of this unique little wreck.

Location
California, United States, North America
Coordinates
33.531600, -117.777000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve

Best Time to Dive in California

The warmest water temperatures in California occur in August, averaging 20.6°C (up to 24.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 14.0°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in July with average wave heights of 0.60m.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.4°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • February: 14.0°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • March: 14.2°C (air: 13.3°C)
  • April: 14.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • May: 16.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • July: 20.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • August: 20.6°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • September: 20.4°C (air: 19.7°C)
  • October: 18.8°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • November: 16.3°C (air: 16.0°C)
  • December: 15.6°C (air: 14.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in California

Nearest Dive Centres to Cress Street

Marine Life in California

Home to 10 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cress Street

Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories