Any maps of the Palawan and Avalon Wrecks?

[reefvagabond]

Nor Cal diver here planning on heading down to LA to dive the wrecks of the Palawan and the Avalon. Does anyone know if there are any maps or drawing of the wrecks? I'd like to be able to see the depths and orientation of the structure, and potential places to penetrate, as well as other exit locations if they exist.

Lastly, any local knowledge of the wrecks would be very much appreciated.

 

[fnfalman]

I don't think that there's anything left standing of the Avalon for penetration.

The Palawan should be penetrable because it's an artificial reef, but I don't know anything about it. All my dives to Palawan were within NDL and outside. Maybe some local tech divers can help you out.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Palawan on Google Maps
http://goo.gl/maps/FZEPV

It can get very dark on the Palawan, but it is within recreational depths at 100-130 feet.

Ashley Hauck (asha on SB) has a great write up with ship layout and interior photos at Diving the Palawan Wreck

The Avalon has as much penetration as a Volkswagon Beetle in a junkyard.

Swimming from the stern to the bow of the Avalon

 

[asha]

Hey Phil, thanks for the link and the kind words.

I don't have a map of the Palawan, but if I recall correctly (I've only dove it that once), the interior of the ship is pretty wide open. If you do other wreck penetrations, this one shouldn't pose any major challenges.

It's a pretty deep wreck, though (~120'), so you won't get much time on an NDL dive.

Like others said, the Avalon (~80') is mostly just wreckage with a couple of cubby holes. It's in two (?) sections, and the bow (above) is in significantly better shape. On a good visibility day, you can probably see one side from the other, but I wasn't so lucky, and got hopelessly lost. Did see a giant sea bass though.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Roger Carlson took a lot of wide angle shots after the large swells went through last month. It probably looks even worse after this weekend's storm.
2014-03-15 Avalon Wreck - rogercarlson

I also saw a GSB on my last dive there.

 

[asha]

Gosh, you get up early.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Too early.

 

[reefvagabond]

asha, that is a brilliant write up. Thank you so much for posting it.

 

[asha]

You're welcome! Glad it was useful to somebody.

 

[drbill]

I really should dive the Avalon some day given its role in Catalina's history