This dive site is a classic Southern California shore dive known for its beautiful kelp forests and extensive rocky reefs. The site is a marine conservation area, rewarding a strenuous entry with a vibrant underwater ecosystem rich in macro life like nudibranchs, crabs, and octopus.
Abalone Cove
Classic California shore dive with lush kelp and macro life.
- Access
12m Avg Depth
18m Max Depth
About this dive site
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Site Ratings
Big Marine Life Fair
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Very Good
Water Visibility Good Viz
Plan Your Visit
kelp forestshore divemacro photographyrocky reefbeginner friendlynudibranch
Marine Life
California Spiny Lobster
Garibaldi
Horn Shark
Octopus
California Sheephead
Snowflake Moray
Sea Star
Nudibranch
Things to Note
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Strenuous hike and surface swim required; potential for surge.
Hazards:
strenuous entry/exitlong surface swimslippery rockssurge
Current Strength:
Mild
Nearby Dive Sites
Explore other dive sites in the area
United States, California, Palos Verdes Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Lush kelp forests with remnants of an old oceanarium.
Easily accessible beginner shore dive with a kelp forest.
United States, California, Monterey Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Easy, protected shore dive ideal for training and macro life.