Diver's Cove

BEACH ACCESS
Access is between Beverly & Myrtle Streets on Cliff Drive. There is a stairway off Cliff Drive where there are 8 metered parking spaces just in front of the main access point leading down to the Cove. If all paces are taken it may be more convenient to drop your gear at the top of the stairs with your buddy and then go park along Cliff Drive near "Picnic Beach". The access has two options; On the North side of the parking lot next to the condos is a 50-step, 4-landing staircase leading down to the sandy stretch of beach 40 feet below. From the foot of the stairs, the reef is northwest or just in front of the "point". On the South side of the parking lot is a ramp leading half way down to the beach that merges with the North access staircase down to the beach. Either way you choose - watch for sand on the concrete stairs and walkway because it can make the walk a little slippery - Use those Hand-Rails! Please be mindful of the neighbors...nobody enjoys a rude awakening on the weekends!		Beach Access (Stairs) - North of Parking Lot

	North Stairs & southern Ramp meeting half way	Beach Access - North Side Looking down
	Beach Access - Looking up from Beach	Beach Access - Bottom of Stairs
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THE DIVE SITE
Diver's Cove is one of the most popular dive sites in Orange County. It is well-protected from large swells, making it highly suitable for the beginning beach divers. For this reason, many scuba classes are held here every weekend. This site is considered by many a beginners' site and many experienced divers stay away from it. That's too bad because this site offers some great diving, regardless of experience level. To the north you'll find rock outcroppings at the point that are excellent for finding sea life. Straight out, about 30 yards you'll run into many "mini reefs" loaded with macro opportunities. The South side of Diver's cove contains more larger rock reef systems loaded with additional Sea life. If you dive around the reef on the Northern side of the cove, you can exit the water at Fisherman’s Cove. If you dive South of the cove, you can exit via "Picnic Beach" at Heisler Park. Diver's Cove is monitored by the Laguna Beach life guards so make sure you have a buddy and a snorkel - they check.
		Beach Entry is an easy, sandy walk into the water
Diver's Cove shown middle - Note Picnic Beach just South & Fisherman's Cove just north.
Picture Courtesy of Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman © 2002-2007 California Coastal Records Project
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WHAT YOU'LL SEE
Sea life is typical for the area and much of it will be found around and on the rocks. If your an observant diver and carry a small dive light you'll find all sorts of goodies hiding in the rocks. To the north you'll find rock outcroppings at the point that are excellent for finding sea life. Straight out, about 30 yards you'll run into many "mini reefs" loaded with macro opportunities. The South side of Diver's cove contains more larger rock reef systems loaded with additional Sea life. On any given dive you can see a few lobsters, eels, rays, octopus, garibaldi, calico bass, Kellet’s welks, tree fish, small sheepshead, bat stars, and lots of purple sea urchins. On occasion you can spot a dolphin or two swimming though at the surface. Night Diving here is also good, so don't rule it out! Diver's cove is also a popular spot for beginner SCUBA classes Diver's Cove is a preserve, so take only pictures.
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FACILITIES		Change Machine at Jasmine & Cliff
There aren’t any facilities at Divers’s Cove. However, there are nice facilities just South at "Picnic Beach" (within easy walking distance). For Emergencies, you'll find a phone 1 1/2 blocks South by the change machine at Jasmine & Cliff Drive.
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PARKING
There is street parking, but it is limited to 8 metered spots. However, there is plenty of street parking all along Cliff Drive in front of Heisler Park. There is also a change machine at Cliff Drive and Jasmine (1 1/2 Blocks South) you'll find handy if you forgot quarters. Parking runs 25 cents per 15 minutes (that's $1 per hour for the math challenged) and runs a maximum of 3 hours. The meters take ONLY Quarters, so bring plenty. Sometimes it is more convenient to drop your gear at the top of the stairs with your buddy and then go find parking.		8 Parking Spots directly in Front of Cove
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Emergency Assistance:		Recompression Chambers:
EMERGENCY	--911 (Dial First)	CATALINA ISLAND	--(310) 510-1053
DAN	--(919) 684-8111	NORTHRIDGE	--(818) 885-8500
LIFEGUARDS	--(949) 494-6571	SANTA ANA	--(714) 973-8777
FIRE	--(949) 497-0700	LOS ROBLES	--(805) 497-2727
POLICE	--(949) 497-0701
USCG VHF	--CHANNEL 16	DAN (Medical Questions)	--(919) 684-2948