What is the maximum depth at HMCS Yukon?

The maximum depth at HMCS Yukon is 100 feet (30 meters), with an average depth of 80 feet.

What skill level is required to dive at HMCS Yukon?

HMCS Yukon is rated as advanced difficulty. Advanced certification and experience is recommended.

How do I access HMCS Yukon?

HMCS Yukon is a boat dive. Accessible only by boat, with numerous dive operators in San Diego offering daily trips to the site. The boat ride is typically 20-30 minutes from Mission Bay.

What marine life can I see at HMCS Yukon?

The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, home to diverse marine life. Common residents include various rockfish species, lingcod, cabezon, and giant sea bass. The structure is covered with invertebrates including anemones, nudibranchs, and sea stars. Large schools of blacksmith and jack mackerel frequently circle the wreck, and sea lions often visit the site.

What is the typical visibility at HMCS Yukon?

Visibility at HMCS Yukon typically ranges from 30 to 60 feet, depending on conditions. Check our real-time conditions for the latest visibility forecast.

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HMCS Yukon

BAD

San DiegoBoat

About This Site

The HMCS Yukon is a 366-foot Canadian warship intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. Located about 2 miles off Mission Beach, this popular wreck dive offers numerous penetration opportunities and is home to abundant marine life. It sits upright on its port side and features multiple decks and compartments for exploration.

Difficulty

Advanced

Max Depth

30m

Type

Boat

Typical Visibility

Conditions Summary

Best time today

4PM - 10PM

GOOD

Best day in forecast

Sunday

GOOD

2026-02-22

Community-reported visibility

n/a

Warnings for today

High waves expected
Strong surge expected
Strong winds expected
High bacteria levels due to recent heavy rainfall
Rain expected - bacteria levels may increase

Conditions look wrong?

Help us improve our dive condition forecasts by sharing your local knowledge about how different swell directions affect this dive site.

Safety Warnings for Today

High waves expected
Strong surge expected
Strong winds expected
High bacteria levels due to recent heavy rainfall
Rain expected - bacteria levels may increase

Dive Conditions Forecast

6:00 am

Bad

(1/10 Points)

Entry & Exit

BAD

Surge

BAD

Impact on Viz

Impact on Visibility

BAD

Wave Data

Site

6:00 am

2.9

Rating:

BAD

Period:8s

Heavy

Direction:W (268°)

Wind Data

Local

6:00 am

km/h

Rating:

POOR

Type:onshore

Direction:W (276°)

Primary Swell Data

Offshore

6:00 am

Rating:

BAD

Period:8s

Direction:W (268°)

Secondary Swell Data

Offshore

6:00 am

0.6

Period:8s

Direction:NW (316°)

Wind Waves

Offshore

6:00 am

2.1

Period:6s

Direction:W (277°)

Ocean Current

Offshore

6:00 am

km/h

Strength:Very Strong

Flowing:SE (124°)

Tide Information

6:00 am

0.9

Rating:

POOR

Type:Rising

Low Tide

0.3 m

3:05 am

High Tide

1.7 m

9:06 am

Low Tide

-0.2 m

3:45 pm

High Tide

1.4 m

10:01 pm