Laguna Beach
If you enjoy kelp and life then you'll love diving in Laguna Beach. Some of the most popular shore dives here are Shaw's Cove and Heisler Park. Some people say that shore diving in Laguna is much better than shore diving in La Jolla because of the lush kelp forests, shallow depths with warmer temperatures and abundant schools of fish that you won't find in La Jolla
In addition to shore diving Beach Cities Scuba offers weekend 2 tank boat dives with Riviera Charters located in Dana Point Harbor. Per their website Riviera charters is an "exceptional way to experience scuba diving in Laguna Beach without the hassle of beach diving . . . exploring reefs, kelp forests of San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach"
In addition to shore diving Beach Cities Scuba offers weekend 2 tank boat dives with Riviera Charters located in Dana Point Harbor. Per their website Riviera charters is an "exceptional way to experience scuba diving in Laguna Beach without the hassle of beach diving . . . exploring reefs, kelp forests of San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach"
Top 3 dive sites in Laguna Beach
1. Shaw's Cove
Explore the captivating underwater world of Shaw's Cove, a popular Southern California beach diving site. With easy access from Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, this sandy beach entry leads you to a vibrant reef just 75 feet west of the stairs. Keep noise to a minimum in this residential area and use the nearby facilities at Crescent Bay. Dive in to discover mesmerizing swim-throughs and encounter a diverse array of marine life. Shaw's Cove is your gateway to an unforgettable underwater adventure.
2. Fishernan's to Divers Cove
Discover the enchanting Fisherman's Cove, located just south of the renowned Shaw's Cove dive site. Begin your underwater exploration here, following the captivating reef structure and kelp forest as you make your way towards Divers Cove for your exit. During your dive, keep the stunning kelp and intricate structures on your left, while the sandy expanse stretches out on your right. Take moments to venture into the kelp forest, immersing yourself in its breathtaking beauty. Fisherman's Cove invites you to embark on a memorable journey, where the wonders of the underwater world unfold around you.
3. Heisler Park
Prepare for an exhilarating dive experience at Heisler Park, where kelp forests and reef structures reign supreme. While the navigation may not be as straightforward as Shaw's Cove and Fisherman's Cove, the dive is incredibly rewarding. The underwater landscape is dominated by majestic kelp forests and impressive reef formations. The most impressive structures are found in the outer areas of the kelp, which lie approximately 200 yards offshore.
Before embarking on your dive, take a moment to appreciate the kelp forest from the cliff's top. This vantage point will provide valuable insights into the location of the kelp and the optimal direction to follow during your dive. By observing the kelp from above, you will gain a solid understanding of its layout and be able to plan your dive accordingly.
While navigating Heisler Park may require some additional attention, the immersive experience it offers, characterized by captivating kelp forests and remarkable reef formations, is well worth the effort. Take on the challenge, embrace the beauty of the kelp forest, and allow yourself to be captivated by the vibrant underwater scenery that awaits you during this unforgettable dive.
Before embarking on your dive, take a moment to appreciate the kelp forest from the cliff's top. This vantage point will provide valuable insights into the location of the kelp and the optimal direction to follow during your dive. By observing the kelp from above, you will gain a solid understanding of its layout and be able to plan your dive accordingly.
While navigating Heisler Park may require some additional attention, the immersive experience it offers, characterized by captivating kelp forests and remarkable reef formations, is well worth the effort. Take on the challenge, embrace the beauty of the kelp forest, and allow yourself to be captivated by the vibrant underwater scenery that awaits you during this unforgettable dive.
Shaw's CoveShaw's Cove, located in Laguna Beach, was an impressive dive site that lived up to expectations during my first visit. As you enter the water, you'll immediately notice a sizable reef on your right-hand side. On our initial trip, we followed a simple navigation approach, keeping the sandy area on our left and the reef on our right. We briefly ventured closer to the reef to explore its beauty. The dive at Shaw's Cove is relatively easy to navigate, offering a straightforward and enjoyable experience.
However, it's important to note that during low tide or on days with larger waves, the reef area can become quite surgy. This dynamic underwater environment adds an element of excitement to the dive. Depths within Shaw's Cove range from approximately 15 to 40 feet, providing divers with a diverse range of depths to explore. |
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North Crescent BayTo begin this dive walk down the steep ramp from your parking spot down to the beach. Turn right at the beach and walk towards the rocks at the north end of the beach. You'll enter here and drop down about 50 yards off shore. Head towards the kelp and start exploring. If you're feeling adventurous you can make the longer swim to explore Seal Rock where you'll find....Sea Lions.
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Fisherman's and Diver's CoveDiving from Fishermans to Divers Cove is another enjoyable and straightforward dive, similar to Shaw's Cove. Upon entering the water, you'll encounter a reef, reminiscent of the setup at Shaw's Cove. Navigating this dive is easy by starting at Fishermans and following the reef along the route until you eventually exit at Divers Cove. Simply keep the reef or kelp on your left and the sandy area on your right.
Throughout the dive, take short detours into the kelp to explore its captivating beauty, then turn back towards the sandy area to continue your journey towards Divers Cove. The underwater structure at this site is equally impressive, and you'll likely find a greater abundance of kelp, which adds to its visual appeal. However, it's worth noting that the presence and density of kelp can vary depending on the season, so the experience may differ each time you visit. Diving from Fishermans to Divers Cove offers an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the underwater world, with a diverse range of marine life and fascinating underwater structures. Enjoy the exploration and embrace the surprises that each visit brings. |
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Heisler ParkPrepare for an exhilarating dive experience at Heisler Park, where kelp forests and reef structures reign supreme. While the navigation may not be as straightforward as Shaw's Cove and Fisherman's Cove, the dive is incredibly rewarding. The underwater landscape is dominated by majestic kelp forests and impressive reef formations. The most impressive structures are found in the outer areas of the kelp, which lie approximately 200 yards offshore.
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A.C.E Wreck (Dana Point) |
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