Plongée à La Jolla Cove — United States

La Jolla Cove's ecological reserve creates a marine haven right in San Diego's backyard. Playful sea lions, California's state fish (the bright orange garibaldi), leopard sharks in the shallows, and kelp forests swaying in the surge — all as a free shore dive. The La Jolla Underwater Park and sea caves are kayak-dive worthy.

Score
56.0
Visibilité
3–12m
Température
14–22°C
Meilleurs mois
July, August, September
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World Class
Intermediate
La Jolla Cove
United StatesNorth America
56.0

SCORE

32.8500°N

-117.2731°E

La Jolla Cove's ecological reserve creates a marine haven right in San Diego's backyard. Playful sea lions, California's state fish (the bright orange garibaldi), leopard sharks in the shallows, and kelp forests swaying in the surge — all as a free shore dive. The La Jolla Underwater Park and sea caves are kayak-dive worthy.

California's Sea Lion Playground

Visibility3–12 m
Temperature14–22°C
Max Depth18 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$0
Best MonthsJuly, August, September, October
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML60.0CH48.0VIS49.0SV24.0TMP49.0DA52.0OP73.0TS60.0GT68.0VAL71.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

60.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
96
Megafauna Encounters
28
Reef Fish Abundance
98
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
50
Marine Life Diversity
60.0
Coral & Reef Health
48.0
Visibility & Conditions
49.0
Dive Site Variety
24.0
Water Temperature
49.0
Depth & Access
52.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
60.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
71.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

La Jolla sea lion colony watchingkayaking sea cavesTorrey Pines State Reserve hikingBirch AquariumSan Diego craft beer scene

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve

Non-Diver Score

9/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifevibrant

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber10 km — UC San Diego Medical Center Hyperbaric Unit
Nearest Hospital5 km

World-class medical facilities; UCSD hyperbaric medicine program; excellent emergency services

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

San Diego Scuba Guide

PADI

4.8
280 reviewsNITROX

Scuba San Diego

PADI

4.7
210 reviewsNITROX