USS Peacock Wreck - California

The USS Peacock isn't your average California wreck dive. This isn't some purpose-sunk vessel lying upright for easy viewing. No, the Peacock is a proper working wreck, a much older wooden steamer broken up and scattered across the seabed off Catalina. We love that you really have to hunt for the story here, piecing together the broken timbers, the odd piece of machinery, and the scattered plates. It’s a treasure hunt. The real draw for us, though, is the sheer density of marine life that has claimed this wreckage as its own. Giant black sea bass, often in numbers, patrol the larger sections, their massive bodies dwarfing divers. Expect to find sheephead, kelp bass, and plenty of smaller critters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite approach is to drop in the morning, when the light filters down through the kelp, making the scattered timbers glow with an eerie green. Surge can be a factor here, so pick a calm day. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the power of nature to reclaim what's lost, not for pristine, intact wrecks.

Location
California, United States, North America
Coordinates
34.048874, -119.548250
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Scorpion (Santa Cruz Island) 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 USS Peacock Wreck

Marine Life in California

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

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for USS Peacock 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