LA - Wreck of the Valiant

The Valiant was a 162' luxury yacht that caught fire and sank in late 1930. She now lies at 100' in Descano Bay, just outside the Avalon Underwater Park on Santa Catalina Island. A short set of stairs leading right down to the water and a short swim make this an easily accessible wreck. To dive the Valiant get the harbormaster's permission (free - go upstairs, last building on the right). They can also provide you with a map. Snorkel out to the far set of buoys running parallel with the park boundary rope and buoys. You'll pass Mooring W44, then W45 "Canadian Mist". You can start your descent at the Canadian Mist Buoy, but the wreck is actually closer to W46. I find it helpful to descend down either mooring. Visibility is usually excellent at 50'+. Your descent down the Canadian Mist will lead you to a sandy bottom at about 60'. Proceed at about 135 degrees at 70'. You should see an oasis of giant kelp growing on the wreck below you. Due to the depth this is considered an advanced dive. Watch out for boat traffic. I once nearly had an unfortunate incident. Overall this is a pleasurable dive given the vis and easy access.

The Valiant was a 162' luxury yacht that caught fire and sank in late 1930. She now lies at 100' in Descano Bay, just outside the Avalon Underwater Park on Santa Catalina Island. A short set of stairs leading right down to the water and a short swim make this an easily accessible wreck. To dive the Valiant get the harbormaster's permission (free - go upstairs, last building on the right). They can also provide you with a map. Snorkel out to the far set of buoys running parallel with the park boundary rope and buoys. You'll pass Mooring W44, then W45 "Canadian Mist". You can start your descent at the Canadian Mist Buoy, but the wreck is actually closer to W46. I find it helpful to descend down either mooring. Visibility is usually excellent at 50'+. Your descent down the Canadian Mist will lead you to a sandy bottom at about 60'. Proceed at about 135 degrees at 70'. You should see an oasis of giant kelp growing on the wreck below you. Due to the depth this is considered an advanced dive. Watch out for boat traffic. I once nearly had an unfortunate incident. Overall this is a pleasurable dive given the vis and easy access.