Descend on the A.C.E.: Explore a 58‑foot seiner settled at 113 feet off Dana Point

DANA POINT SCUBA FIELD GUIDE

Descend on the A.C.E.: Explore a 58‑foot seiner settled at 113 feet off Dana Point

A four‑hour, advanced‑level boat dive from Dana Point aboard the Riviera to an exclusive wreck teeming with marine life — this guide explains what to expect, the certification and group limits, and the practical details.

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Descend on the A.C.E.: Explore a 58‑foot seiner settled at 113 feet off Dana Point.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Dana Point
Operator
Riviera Charters
Category
Scuba
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Dive into history at the A.C.E., a 58‑foot drum seiner that now rests at 113 feet off Dana Point and supports thriving marine life; this exclusive wreck dive is run aboard the Riviera and kept deliberately small for comfort and safety.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WRECK

A 58‑foot drum seiner, now an artificial reef at 113 ft

The A.C.E. capsized and sank in 2005 and today sits at 113 feet, providing structure for thousands of underwater organisms — a deep, historical wreck that rewards experienced divers with close encounters of a living reef.

THE PLATFORM

Riviera: a compact, safety‑equipped dive boat

The operator runs dives from the Riviera, a 40‑foot customized vessel certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for 30 passengers; the trip is limited to 10 divers to prioritize comfort, and the boat carries life vests, onboard oxygen and an AED.

THE DIVE

A deep, advanced‑level wreck experience

Sitting at 113 feet, the A.C.E. requires divers who are comfortable at depth — the operator reserves this outing for experienced divers and enforces certification and group limits to keep the dive controlled and safe.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

Board the Riviera for a deliberately small, focused outing: the vessel carries up to 10 divers for an efficient, safety‑minded operation as you head offshore to the A.C.E., descend to the wreck at 113 feet and explore the structure that is now home to abundant marine life.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is for — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Advanced certified diversWell suited — the trip requires Advanced Open Water certification or higher and is aimed at divers comfortable with deeper wreck penetration and the considerations that come with a 113‑ft site.
2
Families with certified older kidsConditional — the operator allows ages 10 and up, but because of depth and certification requirements this outing is appropriate only if younger participants meet the advanced certification and comfort standards.
3
Open Water–only or inexperienced diversNot a fit — divers must be Advanced Open Water or higher; those without the required certification will be asked to reschedule or enroll in the advanced course.
4
Small‑group comfort seekersA good match — the operator limits the trip to 10 divers on a 40‑foot customized vessel to prioritize comfort and a controlled dive environment.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The outing runs about four hours; divers should arrive well before the scheduled start as requested by the operator.

What’s provided onboard

Tanks and weights are available on the boat, and the operator stocks snacks, water and other refreshments for divers.

Boat & safety equipment

The dive is run from the Riviera, a 40‑foot customized vessel fitted with multiple safety features including life vests, onboard oxygen and an AED.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The dive outing lasts approximately four hours.

When should I arrive before the dive?

Divers are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to the dive start time.

What certification do I need?

You must be Advanced Open Water certified or higher; otherwise you will be asked to reschedule or sign up for the advanced course.

How deep is the wreck?

The A.C.E. lies at about 113 feet.

How many divers are on each trip?

Trips are limited to 10 divers to prioritize comfort and safety aboard the Riviera.

Are equipment and refreshments provided?

Tanks and weights are available on the boat, and snacks, water and other refreshments are provided.

Is there safety equipment onboard?

Yes — the Riviera carries life vests, onboard oxygen and an AED among other safety features.