Top 4 Dive Sites at La Jolla Shores
1. Vallecitos Point
Vallecitos Point, also called "The Main Wall" is the most popular site at La Jolla Shores. vallecitos Point is a short wall/ledge ranging from a few inches to up to 15 feet tall. It starts at about 60' and is located about 200 yards offshore. It can be pretty dark at these depths so be sure to bring a flashlight with you so you can look into the holes along the wall that contain creatures such as crabs, octopus and eels.
2. The Marine Room
The Marine Room is named after the Marine Room Restaurant which is near the entry point for this dive. Its located at the southern portion of La Jolla Shores and In this area, you'll find Leopard Sharks, Kelp bass, sea turtles and tope sharks, leopard sharks and angle sharks. There's also plenty of eel grass and boa kelp which provide a healthy ecosystem for other sea life. Don't worry though, the tope sharks aren't dangerous. Many people say this is one of the best shore dives in San Diego because the shallow depths allow for plenty of light and an amazing diversity of sea life.
3. The North Wall
The North Wall is less often dived because its a longer swim and a bit deeper than vallecitos Point but its well worth the effort assuming you have a large enough tank and a solid air consumption rate. Its similar to Vallecitos Point in that its a wall dive with lobster, octopus, crab and eels. After you dive Vallecitos Point and the Marine Room, consider this dive if you're up to the long swim and deeper wall.
4. The Sand Flats
The Sand Flats are located just as you enter the water from the beach. Most of the open water scuba classes are taught in this area, and for good reason. The area is relatively shallow with plenty of light. Here you'll find a field of sand dollars, pipe cleaner worms, horn sharks and angle sharks. You wont find a video here devoted to the sand flats dive but check out the one on "the main wall". At the end of that video you'll see what it looks like to swim back through this area as you head back to the shores. If you're looking for more marine life but still want to keep your dive relatively shallow then the Marine Room should be your first stop.
Main Wall / Vallecitos Point / East Wall
Depth 60'-70'
This is one of the first dives most people do when they come to San Diego After a 15 minute surface swim you'll drop down into about 30' of water and continue west until you hit the 'wall' at about 60'-70. The wall is about 4'-5' feet with lots of interesting life. Vallecitos Point is the main landmark here and some call this dive, Vallecitos Point, 'V Point' or the East Wall |
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The Marine RoomEnjoy an exciting shallow dive whenever conditions permit. Easily accessible by parking near the Marine Room restaurant and taking a short path to the ocean. Note that entrance might be challenging during high tide. Be mindful of tide levels for your exit. Alternatively, you can park north and walk south along the beach to reach this spot.
In summer, the Leopard sharks often gather near the Beach and Tennis club. Snorkeling to observe them adds an enjoyable dimension. Keep an eye out for fellow snorkelers, as they're usually directly above the sharks. |
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The North WallThis dive is less frequented by many due to its challenges. Access involves a longer swim and negotiating the potentially rough beach entry in front of the lifeguard tower, where larger waves attract surfers.
Moving on to the dive itself, it's a substantial swim, not shallower than 80', thus classifying it as an advanced dive. The location can be elusive, necessitating careful navigation, and gas management is critical. Opting for a larger tank is advisable, as a significant portion of your dive will be spent venturing farther from the shore. Without meticulous gas planning, you might find yourself in the need for a blue-water ascent, followed by an extended swim back to shore. While I personally haven't encountered this, it's worth noting that some divers have encountered down-currents along the wall. Preparedness is key in case such a situation arises. |
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The Great WallSimilar to other dives at La Jolla Shores, this one also entails a lengthy swim. Positioned farther from the shore than the Main Wall, the distinguishing feature of this site is its towering 60' wall. The upper section begins at around 70' and gradually descends in broad terraces, transitioning into a gentler slope around 130'. It's worth noting that descending the wall isn't mandatory; exploration can occur along the upper reaches of the site, maintaining a shallower profile.
While marine life is relatively scarce here, the focal point is undoubtedly the wall itself. Optimal visibility enhances the experience, although conditions can vary. Be cautious when using these lineups. They drop you right at the top of the wall so its easy to overshoot and end up in 160'+ feet of water. Its probably best to drop a bit short and work your way out to the wall. |
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Lineups
The South WallThe dive begins further south of The Great Wall, progressing towards it. By replicating the video's route, you'll venture beyond the 60' mark. However, there's the option to remain shallower and veer back towards the shoreline at your discretion. Keep in mind that the return swim will be lengthy, potentially leading to a long surface swim far from shore, contingent on your gas management strategy. While marine life isn't abundant, there are still some sightings.
Depth: Customize your preferred depth, ranging from 30' to 90'+. |
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Scripps Pier
Depth: 15'-20'
This can be interesting dive along a sandy bottom with barnacles attached to the pier as well as sting rays and leopard sharks during the summer months. As with every dive be cautious and assess conditions before you dive. This video was created by a popular freediver with many videos of southern California freediving spots. |
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Murray HeadCertain divers opt for a surface swim to reach the drop-off point from La Jolla Shores, while others utilize scooters for propulsion. Regardless of the method chosen, the distance from the shore is substantial. In light of this, consider a boat ride to access this stunning dive site.
Depth: 150'+ |
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