Stillwater Cove is a protected marine site on the Mendocino Coast, offering shore access to a reef and kelp forest environment. The cove is sheltered from wind by surrounding bluffs, with entry points that transition between rocky and sandy terrain depending on the tide. Divers can expect depths ranging from the shallows down to 14 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres. Conditions include mild currents, though divers should remain aware of potential surf, surge, boat traffic, and kelp entanglement. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and showers.

Ocean Cove on the Mendocino Coast is a reef and kelp forest site accessible from the shore. Divers can expect depths ranging from 3 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 3 and 12 metres and mild currents. The water temperature remains cool, fluctuating between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 50 minutes. Facilities available at the location include parking, toilets, showers, a cafe, air fills, and a dive shop. Hazards to be aware of include boat traffic, jellyfish, rip currents, sea urchins, and surf.

Fort Ross on the Mendocino Coast offers a shore-entry dive featuring a reef and kelp forest. Divers typically explore depths between 8 and 12 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions require careful management of surge, swell, and mild currents. Visibility ranges from 5 to 10 metres, and water temperatures remain between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, necessitating thick thermal protection. Divers should be aware of potential entanglement risks within the kelp and monitor for variable visibility. Parking is available on-site, but divers must bring all necessary equipment as there are no local rental or fill facilities.

Gerstle Cove is a protected kelp forest and reef site located within Salt Point State Park on the Mendocino Coast. Divers access the water via a rocky shore entry, with the site extending approximately 100 metres from the beach. Depths range from 5 to 30 metres, averaging 10 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 10C and 13C throughout the year. Hazards include surge, surf, rip currents, boat traffic, and sea urchins. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. This site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 45 minutes.

Horseshoe Cove is a shallow reef site on the Mendocino Coast, offering depths between 5 and 6 metres. Divers encounter a variety of marine life, including common harbor seals, northern kelp crabs, and rock crabs. Uncommon sightings include California sea lions, Monterey dorids, and hermissenda, while rare species such as northern elephant seals and East Pacific red octopuses are occasionally recorded. The site features mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Entry is via the shore, which requires caution due to surf, surge, and sharp rocks. Water temperatures remain consistently between 11 and 12 degrees Celsius, necessitating thick thermal protection.

Doran Beach on the Mendocino Coast offers a shallow shore dive ranging from 3 to 5 metres. The site features a mix of natural reef, artificial reef structures, and seagrass beds. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility around 5 metres. Marine life includes common harbor seals, very common ochre sea stars, and rock crabs. Less frequently, divers may encounter California sea lions, scorpionfish, and various nudibranchs like Hermissenda. Due to the 11 to 13 degree Celsius water temperatures, thick thermal protection is required. Entry is via the shore, where divers must navigate surf and shore break. Hazards include rip currents, cold water, surf, and shark activity.