|
|
Corona del Mar
|
|
Looking for a good jetty to dive? Well, this is the place! Corona Del Mar State Beach has everything you need to enjoy a full day of diving and sunning.
Directions: Drive 2.5 miles South of the Newport Bridge, and turn right on Jasmine Ave. Head straight to the water. There are also lots of signs pointing you to the park. If all else fails, pull out your GPS!
|
Diver
Reviews: (Please share your
own experiences by clicking
here!)
11/17/2004 Edward J. Palumbo (Avg: 3.58 Review) - This site, also known as Big Corona, is best appreciated in the off-season, after Labor Day, when the crowds dissipate, the temperature drops a bit, and the sunset views from Ocean Blvd and the rocks are "Kodak moments". Other than during offshore storm conditions, the surf is easy to negotiate. If your interest lies in studying SoCal marine life, this may not be the best choice of sites. I'd recommend it as a place to certify, to refamiliarize with scuba after a long absence, to work with recently certified divers, but it's not a "must". It's a relatively shallow dive, not difficult, and there are critters hiding in the breakwater rocks. The bottom is relatively flat, with a few rock formations or reefs that provide a refuge for Garibaldi, senorita wrasse, surf perch and other species common to the area. There are fire rings on the broad beach for the post-dive picnic and meltdown, though it can be a long stroll back to your vehicle with your dive gear. The food concessions are closed during the off-season, but I don't consider that a loss; there are dozens of places to eat on nearby PCH. If your economy of time requires preplanning for quality dives, I would rate this site lower than nearby Little Corona for diving, but it's a great photo opportunity and a fine place to unwind in the late afternoon and evening, after your day's diving has ended at other Orange County locations nearby.
02/21/2003 Rick (Avg: 3.51 Review) - As with many So. Ca shore dives when the Santa Ana winds kick up the ocean gets flat and the vis here gets pretty good. Watch your trim as the bottom is silty and vis goes quickly when you're on the bottom. There are some small reefs to the left. It's an easy in/out, no stairs (yea!).
07/05/2002 Jeff 1 (Avg: 3.46 Review) - As an update, Corona Del Mar now only allows divers in areas not roped off for swimmers. Down past tower five is a good spot without a long walk.
01/07/2002 Erik Wilson (Avg: 2.91 Review) - Easy access, mild waves to contend with, by far the highlight of this dive for me was the encounter with an incredible "bed" of sand dollars sitting in their natural environment, embedded in the sand at a 45 degree angle. Easy for beginning divers to gain shallow water and mild wave and beach entry experience. Felt kind of out of place in scuba making our way through the sun bathers and wake boarders. Once in it was nice. Showers are key. Enjoy if you get a chance. Would like to explore the breaker wall for night dive!
ShoreDiving Resources:
Additional Resources:
Dive Site Links: (If you have a
relevant link for Corona del Mar, please write us
here.)
No external links have been submitted.
Site Photos
Maps
(what is GPS?) |
Photo
(click photo for a larger version) |
Comments |
| Entrance
Map
Sat
GPS: CM1801
N33°35.6775'
W117°52.4941'
|
|
Head down the cliff into the Beach. The parking attendant will relieved of several dollars in a few moments.
|
| Parking
Map
Sat
GPS: CM1802
N33°35.6403'
W117°52.5999'
|
|
Parking and facilities are excellent. The showers are worth the price of admission!
|
| Overview
|
|
The areas of interest are the South Jetty and the reefs that speckle the outer swimming area.
|
| Entry
Map
Sat
GPS: CM1804
N33°35.5623'
W117°52.6200'
|
|
This is a great place for beginning divers to get their feet wet, and where more advanced divers can find a safe night diving experience.
|
Last Verification: July, 2001
|
5.00
3.25
2.75
4.50
2.50
4.00