YO-257 and San Pedro Wreck Dives

Uncover History and Marine Wonders with Dive Oahu

YO-257 wreck dive near Honolulu, Hawaii

Quick Dive Stats

  • Location: Off the south shore of Oahu, near Waikiki Beach

  • Depth: YO-257: 100 feet, San Pedro: 95 feet

  • Visibility: Up to 100 feet

  • Dive Type: Wreck Dive

  • Experience Level: Advanced

  • Marine Life: Turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, mackerel scad, trevally, amberjacks

Introduction

The YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks, lying side by side on the ocean floor near Waikiki, offer a unique and thrilling diving experience. With Dive Oahu, you can explore these historic wrecks, each with its own fascinating history and vibrant marine life. This combo dive promises an adventure filled with underwater exploration and stunning encounters with marine creatures.

History and Background of YO-257

The YO-257, an old Navy Yard Oiler, served during World War II and the Korean War, delivering thousands of gallons of fuel to other ships. In 1989, it was intentionally sunk by Atlantis Submarines to create an artificial reef. This decision transformed the YO-257 into a popular dive site, attracting divers from around the world to explore its historical significance and underwater beauty.

History and Background of San Pedro

Just over 100 feet from the YO-257 lies the San Pedro, a wreck that also became an artificial reef thanks to Atlantis Submarines. The San Pedro, owned by an old Korean Fishing Company, caught fire in 1997 while carrying supplies. After sitting anchored in Keehi Lagoon for nearly 20 years, it was sunk in 1996. Together, these wrecks create a captivating diving experience, rich with history and marine life.

Diver gliding about a wreck near Honolulu, Hawaii

Location and Accessibility

Situated just off the south shore of Oahu, near Waikiki Beach, the YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks are easily accessible by a short 10-minute boat ride. With Honolulu's Inouye International Airport offering daily international flights, reaching this diving hotspot is convenient for travelers. Once on the island, various transportation options, including car rentals, buses, or taxis, are available to access the dive site. Dive Oahu ensures a seamless experience from arrival to dive.

Exploring the YO-257 Wreck

Diving the YO-257 offers a multitude of exploration opportunities. The wreck features various swim-throughs, corridors, and open areas for divers to explore. Technical divers can venture into deeper parts of the wreck, while recreational divers can enjoy the main deck and other accessible areas. The YO-257 is a haven for photographers, offering numerous opportunities to capture stunning underwater scenes.

Exploring the San Pedro Wreck

The San Pedro wreck, though smaller than the YO-257, offers its own unique diving experience. Divers can explore the ship's structure, which is home to various marine species. The San Pedro is particularly known for its encounters with sharks, eagle rays, and turtles. The wreck’s location close to the YO-257 allows divers to easily explore both sites in a single dive when conditions are favorable.

Combo Dive Experience

One of the highlights of diving with Dive Oahu is the ability to explore both the YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks in one dive. This combo dive offers a comprehensive underwater adventure, allowing divers to experience the best of both wrecks. Dive Oahu provides detailed dive plans and guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when diving both wrecks.

Diving Preparations for YO-257 and San Pedro

For limited penetration recreational wreck diving, basic scuba gear suffices, with the addition of a flashlight for better visibility in dimly lit areas and a dive knife for potential entanglements. Safety considerations include avoiding sharp objects and maintaining awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents. Dive Oahu provides all necessary gear and ensures all divers are well-prepared and briefed on safety protocols.

Marine Life at YO-257 and San Pedro Wrecks

The YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks teem with marine life and vibrant coral growth. Divers can encounter a variety of species, including turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfish, and frogfish. With excellent visibility often reaching up to 100 feet, these wrecks offer an immersive underwater spectacle. The diverse marine ecosystem adds another layer of excitement to the wreck diving experience.

Preservation Efforts

Responsible diving practices are crucial for preserving the integrity of the wrecks and supporting marine life conservation efforts. Divers are reminded to refrain from touching or disturbing the wrecks and to exercise good buoyancy control to minimize impact on the environment. Dive Oahu is committed to promoting sustainable diving practices to ensure the longevity of these incredible dive sites.

Best Time to Dive YO-257 and San Pedro

With favorable water temperatures averaging 75-80°F year-round, the YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks welcome divers in all seasons, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable diving experience. However, certain times of the year may offer better visibility and more marine life sightings. Dive Oahu provides up-to-date information on the best times to dive and what divers can expect during different seasons.

Why Dive YO-257 and San Pedro with Dive Oahu

Dive Oahu offers unparalleled diving experiences with a focus on safety, customer satisfaction, and expert guidance. Our experienced instructors and well-maintained equipment ensure a memorable dive every time. Customer testimonials frequently highlight the professionalism and friendliness of our staff, the comprehensive pre-dive briefings, and the stunning dive experiences. Choosing Dive Oahu means choosing quality, safety, and adventure.

FAQs

  • How deep are the YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks? 

    • The YO-257 wreck lies at a depth of about 100 feet, while the San Pedro wreck is slightly shallower. Both wrecks are accessible to advanced and recreational divers.

  • Is the combo dive suitable for beginners? 

    • While the YO-257 and San Pedro combo dive is more suited for advanced divers due to the depth and potential for penetration, experienced beginners with proper guidance from Dive Oahu instructors can enjoy exploring the exteriors of the wrecks.

  • What marine life can I expect to see? 

    • Divers can encounter a variety of marine species, including turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfish, and frogfish. The wrecks are also home to vibrant coral formations and smaller reef fish.

  • What gear do I need for the dive?

    • Basic scuba gear, including a mask, fins, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator, and dive computer, is required. A flashlight and dive knife are recommended for exploring the wrecks' interiors.

  • What safety precautions should I take? 

    • Maintain proper buoyancy control, avoid tight spaces if you're not experienced, and always follow the dive plan provided by Dive Oahu instructors. Ensure you have a safety stop and monitor your air supply closely.

  • When is the best time to dive the YO-257 and San Pedro? 

    • The YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks can be dived year-round due to Oahu's warm waters. However, conditions can vary, so it's best to check with Dive Oahu for current conditions and recommendations.

Conclusion

The YO-257 and San Pedro wrecks epitomize the allure of wreck diving, offering an exhilarating underwater adventure for both recreational and technical divers. From their fascinating histories to their abundant marine life and captivating underwater landscapes, diving these wrecks promises an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration.