

Best for advanced divers, 1-5m, shore entry, mild current.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a shallow rocky reef system in the United States, primarily accessed from the shore. The site features a flat reef topography with an average depth of 3 metres, ranging between 1 and 5 metres. Conditions are variable, with hazards including low visibility, surf, and strong currents. Divers and snorkellers frequently encounter harbour seals, ochre sea stars, rock crabs, and northern kelp crabs. Various nudibranchs are also present, including common clown dorids and san diego dorids, alongside less frequent sightings of east pacific red octopuses and white-spotted sea goddesses. Due to the challenging conditions, this site is suited for advanced divers.
37.51120, -122.51150
The best time to explore the tidepools is when tides are predicted to be 1 foot or less in height.
Located in Moss Beach, CA, about 40 minutes south of San Francisco.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 5m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-15°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Common sightings include harbour seals, ochre sea stars, rock crabs, northern kelp crabs, clown dorids, and san diego dorids. Rarer observations include the east pacific red octopus and white-spotted sea goddess.
No, this site is recommended for advanced divers due to hazards such as low visibility, surf, and strong currents.
The depth ranges from 1 to 5 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres.
Access to the reef is via the shore.
Snorkelling is possible, though the site has a low rating of 2/5 due to the challenging conditions.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 15°C.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.