Ruby E Wreck - California

The Ruby E, a former research vessel, sits upright in about 20 metres of water off San Diego. We like it as a straightforward wreck dive, especially for those getting comfortable with overhead environments, though penetration is limited to the bow and stern. Look for nudibranchs, often tiny and tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen plenty of calico bass darting through the superstructure. It’s a popular spot, so expect company, but the wreck itself is small enough to feel intimate, offering some nice photographic opportunities amongst the rusted metal and the growth that’s started to cling to it.

Location: California, United States, North America
Coordinates: 32.767223, -117.276665
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: South La Jolla 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 Ruby E Wreck

Marine Life in California

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

Notable Species

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish
Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) - Reef Fish
Little post horn squid (Spirula spirula) - Octopus & Squid
Prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) - Reef Fish
cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) - Reef Fish
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) - Reef Fish
brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) - Reef Fish
Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Ruby E Wreck

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