Kennedy - California

Kennedy is one of those sites that keeps you guessing. We’ve found ourselves drifting over soft sediment, eyes peeled for the Pinhead or a California Marginella, then suddenly a flash of iridescent scale from a Deepsea Hatchetfish darts by. It’s certainly not a coral garden, but the chance of spotting a Savigny's Brittle Star or even a Gray Whale passing through makes it a compelling dive for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate waters. Bring your macro lens and a bit of patience; you'll be rewarded with some genuinely unique encounters.

Location
California, United States, North America
Coordinates
31.701412, -116.684814
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 Kennedy

Marine Life in California

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

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Kennedy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Kennedy Barge wreck?
The Kennedy dive site, which features a fascinating wreck, has a typical depth range of 15-30 meters. This depth makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Kennedy dive site?
The primary feature divers can expect to see at the Kennedy dive site is a captivating wreck. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is the Kennedy Barge dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Kennedy dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers who may lack the experience needed for such conditions. Divers should have appropriate certifications and experience to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Kennedy Barge for optimal conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Kennedy dive site for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the Kennedy Barge?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed for the Kennedy dive site, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers are prepared for the depths and potential challenges of a wreck dive.
Are there strong currents or challenging conditions typically found at the Kennedy Barge dive site?
The Kennedy dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, which implies there may be challenging conditions that require a certain level of skill and experience. However, our current data does not specifically detail the presence of strong currents or other particular environmental challenges at this site.