

Best for intermediate divers, 3-24m, boat entry, moderate current.
North Coronado features a diverse underwater landscape comprising reef, wall, and artificial reef structures. Located off the Coronado Islands, this site offers depths ranging from 3 to 24 metres with an average of 18 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres. Divers must access the site by boat and should be prepared for moderate currents, surge, and thermoclines that can significantly lower water temperatures at depth. Due to these conditions and potential boat traffic, the site is suited for intermediate divers. Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Garibaldi, and various sea stars.
32.44208, -117.29667
Station yourself further away from the rocks where the colony lives during June and July to avoid territorial bulls.
Requires a 90-minute boat ride from San Diego and a passport for crossing international borders, plus a Mexican tourist visa.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
3-24m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-17°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Oct, Nov
Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Garibaldi, harbor seals, Spanish shawl nudibranchs, California moray eels, horn sharks, scorpionfish, wrasses, barracuda, cleaner shrimp, California spiny lobsters, and sea stars.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers. You should be comfortable managing buoyancy in moving water due to surge, swell, and moderate currents.
The site ranges from 3 to 24 metres in depth, with an average depth of 18 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site located approximately 12,875 metres from shore.
Water temperatures generally range from 14 to 17 degrees Celsius. Thermoclines are common and can cause temperatures to drop into the low 10s Celsius at depth.
Diving at North Coronado in Imperial Beach requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at North Coronado in Imperial Beach. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 17°C.
The best months to visit North Coronado in Imperial Beach are October and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.