

Best for beginner divers, 6-12m, shore entry, mild current.
Picnic Beach on Santa Catalina Island offers a mixed natural and artificial reef environment suitable for beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 6 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. Shore entry requires navigating a surf and shore break, where divers should shuffle their feet to avoid sea urchins. Conditions include mild currents and visibility varying between 5 and 25 metres. Surge and swell can impact visibility near the coast, so careful timing during entry and exit is advised. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, and showers for post-dive convenience.
33.54353, -117.79297
The shore entry involves a surf and shore break, so time your entry and exit carefully during a lull in the sets, and watch your footing on the way in as sea urchins and surge add to the challenge. Parking, toilets, and showers are available on site, making it a convenient spot to rinse off and change after your dive.
Use caution when entering and exiting the water.
Recorded at this site
Depth
6-12m
Visibility
5-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-20°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners and accessible to those with an Open Water certification.
The site ranges from 6 to 12 metres in depth, with an average depth of 8 metres.
This is a shore-entry dive. Divers should be prepared for a surf and shore break at the entry point.
Hazards include a strong shore break, surge, swell, and the presence of sea urchins on the bottom.
Yes, the site provides parking, toilets, and showers.
Diving at Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C.
Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach typically ranges from 5 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.