Fort Ross South

California North
USA West
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The Southern site at the Historic Park is a much easier site for entry, but you'll need to kick out a bit to reach the more interesting rocky cliff area.

Directions: For a scenic ride, take Highway 116 off 101 to the town Jenner. Head North for about 13 miles, and turn left into the Fort Ross State Historic Park. When you reach the actual Fort, turn right down a gravel road heading to the bluffs, and wind your way down to the beach.

Diver Reviews: (Please share your own experiences by clicking here!)

11/17/2002 Carl Bowers (Avg: 3.62 Review) - While diving for abalone, two Harbor Seals made contact in a playful manner and made the dive. Didn't see much for abs; didn't see much of anything past 3'. But it was more calm than Gerstle Cove and should prove to be a very nice spot on the good vis days.

10/26/2002 Scott Nichols (Avg: 3.83 Review) - This is a nice site if you are interested in marine life... that is, take it slow and really look. Not a great place for a sightseeing dive at a fast swimming pace - vis and surge usually prevent that.

ShoreDiving Resources:

Additional Resources:

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Fort Ross South, please write us here.)
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Site Photos

Maps
(what is GPS?) Photo
(click photo for a larger version) Comments

Overview

With the Fort in the background, this is the gravel road you'll take down to the beach.

Parking
Map Sat
GPS: CN1002
N38°30.7750'
W123°14.5644'

You've got 20 minutes to unload your gear, then park back by the Fort.

Overview

The water can be cloudy from the beach, so just kick out for a while until you reach the clear water.

Overview

To the right of the above photo.

Entry
Map Sat
GPS: CN1005
N38°30.7274'
W123°14.6117'

Sand beach and protected cove make for an easy entry.

Scenery

Do take time to explore the area and visit the Fort. You'll find an interesting bit of Russian/American history that has been reconstructed for you.

Last Verification: July, 2001

Diver Averages for Fort Ross South (1=worst, 5=best)

Average Site Condition
Ease of Shore Entry:	5.00
Bottom Conditions:	3.50
Reef Conditions:	3.00
Animal Life:	4.50
Plant Life:	3.50
Facilities:	1.50
Solitude:	4.00
Roads:	4.00
*Site Average:	3.72

Average Enjoyment Level
Snorkel:	3.50
Beginner Scuba:	3.50
Intermediate Scuba:	4.00
Advanced Scuba:	3.00
Night diving Scuba:	2.50

Number of reviews for this site: 2

328-4-3-10

Fort Ross South

California North USA West Home

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Fort Ross South, please write us here.) No external links have been submitted.

Site Photos

California North
USA West
Home

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Fort Ross South, please write us here.)
No external links have been submitted.