Summery:

La Jolla Shores is one of Southern California’s most well-known dive sites, and for good reason. Located in La Jolla, California, this site offers easy beach access, a vibrant underwater ecosystem, and a unique canyon topography that makes for an exciting dive. With consistently good conditions and a steady stream of divers year-round, this spot is a must for anyone looking to explore the underwater world off San Diego’s coast.

Getting There:

Getting to La Jolla Shores is fairly simple. We took our personal car and parked in the designated beach parking lot, which is free but fills up quickly—especially on weekends. If you’re planning a morning dive, aim to arrive by 7 AM to secure a spot. The area is bustling with beachgoers, surfers, and of course, divers, so getting there early helps avoid parking headaches.

For gear, we brought our own but rented tanks from House of Scuba, a reputable dive shop in San Diego. Keep in mind that it’s not within walking distance of the dive site, so a personal vehicle is necessary if you need to pick up rental equipment. Whether you’re renting or bringing your own, a 7mm wetsuit (or a drysuit if you run cold), hood, gloves, and boots are highly recommended. The water temperature ranges from the low 50s in winter to the low 70s in summer, but even in the warmer months, it’s best to be prepared. A dive light is also essential—the deeper sections of the canyon can get quite dark, and having a light helps you spot marine life hidden in the crevices.

The Dive:

The entry is a simple shore walk from the parking lot straight into the water. As with any Southern California shore dive, make sure to shuffle your feet upon entry—stingrays love the shallow waters. The swim out to the drop-off is about 10 minutes over a sandy bottom, where you’ll see small critters like crabs scuttling along the ocean floor. Occasionally, you might spot a horn shark resting in the sand, camouflaged against the seabed.

Once you reach the canyon, the terrain changes dramatically. The walls drop off, creating an impressive underwater landscape that’s teeming with life. Here, we spotted octopuses tucked into crevices, vibrant orange Garibaldi darting through the water, and curious California sheephead cruising by. The highlight of our dive was coming across a resting horn shark and the sheer abundance of crabs that seemed to be everywhere.

La Jolla Shores is particularly known for being a training ground for divers of all levels. On any given weekend, you’ll see open water and advanced certification classes taking place. Near the parking area, there’s a grassy dive park where divers lay out their gear, conduct briefings, and relax between dives. It adds to the social, community feel of the location—you never truly feel like you’re diving alone here.

Navigation is another perk of this dive site. If you struggle with underwater navigation (like I do), this is one of the easiest places to find your way. The sloping sandy area leads directly to the canyon, and when it’s time to head back, you simply follow the sand in the opposite direction. The waves and natural lines in the sand serve as a guide back to shore, making it hard to miss your exit point.

Typical Conditions:

Conditions at La Jolla Shores are generally consistent, making it a reliable dive site throughout the year. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 feet, with the best conditions usually occurring in the early morning before the surf picks up. Water temperatures fluctuate between 50°F in the winter and 70°F in the summer. Surge is minimal in the canyon, but surface conditions can vary depending on the tide and time of day.

Final Thoughts:

Diving at La Jolla Shores was an unforgettable experience. From the easy shore access to the incredible marine life and unique canyon topography, this dive has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a safe and well-trafficked training ground or an experienced diver wanting to explore California’s underwater landscapes, La Jolla Shores is a dive site worth visiting.

Happy diving, and don’t forget to shuffle your feet!