

Best for beginner divers, 5-18m, shore entry, mild current.
Spooners Cove, located in Montana de Oro State Park, offers shore-accessible diving and snorkelling within a reef and kelp forest environment. Depths range from 5 to 18 metres, with an average of 10 metres. Divers may encounter California sea lions, harbour seals, and East Pacific red octopuses, alongside various nudibranchs such as clown dorids and Monterey dorids. The site features rocky structures and kelp fronds. Conditions include mild currents, though visibility is variable between 3 and 15 metres. Entry requires caution due to surf, shore break, and potential surge. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets, making it a practical location for beginner-level shore entries.
35.27458, -120.88888
Time your entry during calm periods of low swell, and watch the shore break carefully before committing to the water as rip currents can develop near the cove edges. Parking and toilets are available at the site, so no need to arrive loaded down before your walk to the entry point.
Shore entry within Montana de Oro State Park.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-18m
Visibility
3-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-14°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Divers and snorkellers may encounter California sea lions, harbour seals, and East Pacific red octopuses. Various invertebrates are also present, including clown dorids, Hermissenda, sea stars, and rock crabs.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the mild currents and accessible depths, though users must be comfortable navigating shore entries through surf and surge.
The site ranges from 5 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Spooners Cove is a shore entry site. Users should monitor local reports for rip currents and time their entry during calm periods of low swell.
Yes, Spooners Cove is suitable for both diving and snorkelling activities.
Diving at Spooners Cove in Morro Bay requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Spooners Cove in Morro Bay. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 14°C.
The best months to visit Spooners Cove in Morro Bay are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Spooners Cove in Morro Bay typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Spooners Cove in Morro Bay typically ranges from 3 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.