

Best for intermediate divers, 7-40m, boat entry, strong current.
Buchon Reef is a marine site located 800 metres off the coast near San Luis Obispo, United States. The topography features a pinnacle, open reef, and kelp forest spanning depths of 7 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres. This site is suitable for intermediate divers who can manage strong currents and potential entanglement risks within the kelp. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres. Boat access is required to reach the site and avoid dangerous shore breaks. Divers should use a surface marker buoy due to boat traffic. Species recorded around this area include California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, various nudibranchs, and Scorpionfish.
35.24183, -120.90575
Current at Buchon can shift quickly, so brief with your skipper on the day and plan your dive to work with the flow rather than fight it. Carry a surface marker buoy on every dive given the boat traffic and the likelihood of surfacing away from the entry point.
Point Buchon SMR is accessed via coastal trails. Point Buchon SMCA is only reachable by boat from Morro Bay.
Recorded at this site
Depth
7-40m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
11-13°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
40 min
Species recorded around this area include California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, various nudibranchs such as Hermissenda and Clown Dorids, Scorpionfish, and Sea Stars.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to strong currents, deep diving conditions, and entanglement risks in the kelp forest.
The site ranges from 7 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres.
Boat access is required to reach the site and to avoid dangerous shore breaks.
The site is primarily a dive location with an average depth of 25 metres and strong currents, making it unsuitable for snorkelling.
Diving at Buchon Reef in Morro Bay requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Buchon Reef in Morro Bay. Water temperatures range from 11°C to 13°C.
Buchon Reef in Morro Bay can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Buchon Reef in Morro Bay typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.