Top 3 dives at La Jolla Cove
1. Kelp Forest
At the La Jolla Cove Kelp Forest, you'll see Giant Sea Bass, 7 Gill Sharks, Rays, Kelp Bass, Lobsters, and towering Kelp forests. To reach the kelp, enter at the Cove and kick straight out for approximately 50 yards before turning left (North). Continue swimming for another hundred yards while heading north, and you'll soon find yourself surrounded by the majestic kelp. Take your time to explore this area, keeping a watchful eye out for Sharks, Giant Sea Bass, and playful Sea Lions.
Before gearing up, take a stroll past the lifeguard tower to the lookout at the area near Point La Jolla. From there, you'll spot the floating kelp on the water's surface, serving as your guide. Remember that the presence of kelp can vary seasonally, so chatting with fellow divers will provide insights into the current state of the kelp forest. Enjoy the wonders of the La Jolla Cove Kelp Forest and take in the breathtaking sights beneath the waves.
Before gearing up, take a stroll past the lifeguard tower to the lookout at the area near Point La Jolla. From there, you'll spot the floating kelp on the water's surface, serving as your guide. Remember that the presence of kelp can vary seasonally, so chatting with fellow divers will provide insights into the current state of the kelp forest. Enjoy the wonders of the La Jolla Cove Kelp Forest and take in the breathtaking sights beneath the waves.
2. Rock Pile
This large pile boulders is teaming with sealife. Peaking into the crevasses, you'll find lobster, eels, sea urchins, nudibranchs, sponges, abalone and much more. Its a bit of a swim but to get to this dive enter the water and swim out about 50 yards, drop down and head North East for half a tank and then turn back. You'll find therock pile a few hundred yards off shore but even if you don't make it all the way there's plenty so see along the way.
3. Clam Cave Area
Clam Cave is a fascinating underwater location that attracts a variety of water enthusiasts, including swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers, and scuba divers. What sets this area apart is its large cavern and the presence of playful sea lions during the fall months. Exploring this site reveals a diverse range of marine life, including lobster, abalone, sponges, and gharaboldi fish. Additionally, Clam Cave is known for its treasure hunting opportunities, as kayakers often drop items such as sunglasses, phones, and GoPros in the water.
However, it's important to note that Clam Cave can be hazardous, and favorable conditions are necessary to fully enjoy the spot. It requires a calm day with minimal waves and current to safely explore this area. Tour guides may occasionally take kayakers into the cave if conditions permit.
While Clam Cave alone may not provide enough space for an entire dive, it serves as a great starting or ending point. Many divers choose to begin or conclude their dive here and spend the rest of their time exploring the rock pile area. To reach Clam Cave, head straight out from La Jolla Cove and follow the kayakers approximately 200 yards out and to the right.
Enjoy the wonders of Clam Cave, but always prioritize safety and be aware of the conditions before entering the water.
However, it's important to note that Clam Cave can be hazardous, and favorable conditions are necessary to fully enjoy the spot. It requires a calm day with minimal waves and current to safely explore this area. Tour guides may occasionally take kayakers into the cave if conditions permit.
While Clam Cave alone may not provide enough space for an entire dive, it serves as a great starting or ending point. Many divers choose to begin or conclude their dive here and spend the rest of their time exploring the rock pile area. To reach Clam Cave, head straight out from La Jolla Cove and follow the kayakers approximately 200 yards out and to the right.
Enjoy the wonders of Clam Cave, but always prioritize safety and be aware of the conditions before entering the water.
Kelp Forest at La Jolla CoveThe Kelp beds are out and to the left from the cove. They aren't always in the same place but you can usually find them by swimming out beyond the rocks to the left and heading North
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Sea Lion Pups in the Caves at La Jolla CoveClam Cave is a popular destination for kayak tours originating from La Jolla Shores. As the summer transitions to early fall, it becomes a playful playground for sea lion pups. It is important to note that Clam Cave is best explored during high tide, as it can become shallow during low tide.
It's crucial to exercise caution in this area, especially during larger surf conditions. The cave entrance can be subject to crashing waves, posing a potential danger. Even on calm days, occasional larger waves can pass through. Therefore, it is highly advisable to dive at Clam Cave only on calm days, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being while diving at Clam Cave. Take into account the tides, surf conditions, and wave activity to make informed decisions. |
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The Rock PileDepth: 40'
The Rock pile is straight out from the cove. Its unclear where the rocks came from. Some say they're natural but I know California had dumped rockes in some areas off the cost to create artificial reefs. This location isn't listed in their database so I assume its natural. You can see what the Rock Pile looks like about half way through this You'll find the rockpile if you head North-Northeast a couple hundred yards offshore. |
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Boomers~30'
Around the corner and to the left from La Jolla Cove is boomers beach, named after the sound made by the waves as the boom against the rocks. This location is outside of the Marine Protected Area so you'll see spearos out here sometimes. On a calm day you can look at the channels near the rocks but be cautious. A bit farther out you'll find kelp forests and in the winter the occasional 7 gill shark and giant sea bass. |
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Boundary Wall off La Jolla CoveThis is an advanced dive that demands an almost half-mile swim, plunging to depths exceeding 90'. While visibility can be remarkably clear at these depths, be prepared for an extensive swim. Once you arrive at the drop point and cast a glance back at the cove, the perspective of its size from this distance is truly breathtaking. While it's recommended as a boat dive due to the distances involved, certain divers still choose to swim the route. It's worth noting that there have been instances of divers getting caught in currents, leading to lifeguard-assisted rescues.
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Gods RockThis is part of an area collectively called the pinnacles. Its located in the vicinity of La Jolla Cove, this 65'+ dive is situated quite a distance from the shore, making it impractical for a shore dive. Accessing this spot requires a boat, and you can easily find GPS coordinates for navigation online.
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Quast RockThis is part of an area collectively called the pinnacles. Situated within the La Jolla Cove vicinity, this dive site shares similarities with the previous one mentioned. Like the previous site, this location is also best accessed by boat due to its considerable distance from the shore. GPS coordinates for navigation can be readily found online.
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