

Best for beginner divers, 9-16m, boat entry, mild current.
Cove Point on Santa Catalina Island is a boat-access reef and kelp forest site suitable for beginner divers. The topography consists of a reef structure ranging from 9 to 16 metres in depth, often allowing divers to view the kelp canopy and the seafloor simultaneously. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, and currents are generally mild. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic at the surface and be prepared for potential surge or swell conditions near the reef. A safety sausage is recommended for all surface intervals.
32.81610, -118.43625
Boat traffic is active in this area, so always surface with a safety sausage deployed and stay close to the entry and exit point of your vessel. Surge and swell can pick up unexpectedly, so check the forecast before heading out and confirm conditions with your charter operator on the day.
Access info coming soon
Recorded at this site
Depth
9-16m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
15-20°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jan, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Yes, the site is well-suited for newly certified open water divers due to the manageable depths of 9 to 16 metres and mild currents.
Cove Point is a boat-access site; you must arrive via a charter vessel.
Water temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with the warmest conditions occurring between July and September.
Divers must watch for boat traffic at the surface and be prepared for surge or swell conditions that can affect stability near the reef.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the kelp forest and reef structure are accessible by boat for those with appropriate experience.
Diving at Cove Point in LA County requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Cove Point in LA County. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C.
The best months to visit Cove Point in LA County are January, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.