Dive-site story
Situated just off the sandy shores in La Jolla, this shallow rocky reef system is one of Southern California's reliable spots for encountering green sea turtles. Divers enter through the public walkway adjacent to the historic dining landmark, kicking out past the surf line across sand flats where leopard sharks and guitarfish rest during warmer months. The low-profile rocky reef structures provide grazing grounds covered in red algae and surfgrass, creating habitat for resident marine life within the protected state marine reserve.
Resident Eastern Pacific green sea turtles grazing on shallow algal beds
Dense seasonal aggregations of leopard sharks in the warm surf zone
Rocky reef crevices hosting California spiny lobsters and horn sharks
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn bring the warmest water temperatures, calmest surf conditions, and peak shark numbers.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Leopard SharkTriakis semifasciata | Common | ||||||||||||
| GaribaldiHypsypops rubicundus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Shovelnose GuitarfishPseudobatos productus | Common | ||||||||||||
| California Spiny LobsterPanulirus interruptus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Horn SharkHeterodontus francisci | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bat RayMyliobatis californica | Common |
Marine forecast
