

Best for beginner divers, 10-6m, shore & boat entry, mild current.
The Cave is a shallow reef site located 400 metres off the coast of San Diego, United States. With depths ranging from 6 to 10 metres, it is well-suited for beginner divers. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, and currents remain mild. Divers frequently encounter California sea lions, harbour seals, horn sharks, guitarfish, leopard sharks, eagle rays, and garibaldi. Other common sightings include barracuda, whiptail stingrays, wrasses, California spiny lobsters, scorpionfish, and drum and croaker. Entry requires caution due to potential surf, shore break, surge, and rip currents. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, and showers. The site is open year-round and supports night diving.
32.85027, -117.27015
The main challenge here is the entry, where shore break, surge, and rip currents can catch you off guard, so time your water entry during a lull in the sets and stay aware of conditions throughout the dive. Facilities on site include parking, toilets, and showers, making post-dive clean-up easy.
Access the water by walking down a set of stairs and over some sand.
Recorded at this site
Depth
10-6m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
15-21°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Sep, Oct, Nov
Divers frequently encounter California sea lions, harbour seals, horn sharks, guitarfish, leopard sharks, eagle rays, and garibaldi. Other common species include barracuda, whiptail stingrays, wrasses, California spiny lobsters, scorpionfish, and drum and croaker.
Yes, the shallow depth of 6 to 10 metres and mild currents make this site suitable for beginner divers.
The depth at The Cave ranges between 6 and 10 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres.
Yes, The Cave is accessible by both boat and shore, though divers should be aware of surf, shore break, and rip currents during entry.
While primarily a dive site, the shallow depths of 6 to 10 metres allow for snorkelling, provided conditions such as surf and surge are monitored.
Diving at The Cave in San Diego requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at The Cave in San Diego. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C.
The best months to visit The Cave in San Diego are September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
The Cave in San Diego typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at The Cave in San Diego typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.