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Gerstle Cove
Gerstle Cove is found within the Salt Point State Park, and offers some of the finest Abalone hunting in this area. About 6 miles North of Fort Ross, you'll find the campground entrance.
Shore entry
Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Sonoma County
The top 7 dive and snorkel sites in Sonoma County, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Sonoma County guide
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7 sites, ranked by diver reviews
2
Stillwater Cove
Stillwater cove is recognized for its relatively undisturbed marine environment. Due to the sensitivity of this habitat, only 10 divers a day are allowed access. Sorry, there is no night diving. The Beach and Tennis Club provides the coastal access from sunrise to sunset, and there is a $10 gate fee to gain access into Pebble Beach. Located in the heart of Pebble Beach, the drive here is worth the effort, even if you are not going to dive! Drive South of Carmel on Highway 1 to Ocean Ave. Take Ocean Ave West and turn right on San Antonio Ave. Wind your way North until you find yourself on Carmel Way. You will soon intersect with the famous 17 Mile Drive. A gate guard will welcome you and relieve you of some money for the privilege of hobnobbing with the Rich and Famous. Travel North West for about 1 mile, and turn left on Palmero Way. Travel approximately 1/2 mile and then make a left on to Cypress Drive for about 1/8 of a mile which ends at Stillwater Cove.
BeginnerShore entry
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3Ocean Cove
The main reason people go here is abalone diving. I did see several legal ones, however it seemed slightly inferior to the Stillwater cove less than two miles away. For spear fishing however I found it to be better. While free diving I pulled a ~30 inch ling cod out of only fifteen foot deep water. There are also many more perch, and rockfish than I had observed at Stillwater cove the day before. It is also a very calm site, and would serve as a good beginner dive for anyone wanting to make their first abalone dive. This site is only a few minutes north of Stillwater beach near salt point. take the highway 1 north until you see the Ocean Cove Store. From there take a left there will be a campground head into the camp ground and take the first right, that will take you to a boat ramp, enter anywhere near the ramp.
BeginnerShore entry
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4Fort Ross
2 miles South of the Historic Park Fort Ross is also known as Red Barn, Fort Ross Reef Campground.
BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore entry
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7Salt Point State Park
Hunted for Abalone and spear fished outside the reserve area in Gerstle Cove. Gerstle Cove is a favorite dive training location because of the easy access, parking and picnic areas. Parking at the point over looking north side of Gerstle Cove, which part of it is a marine reserve. Access road just before the point parking area to south Gerstle Cove access and parking.
BeginnerShore entry
Sonoma County diving guide
Ready to check out the best sites in Sonoma County for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 7 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Sonoma County?
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Sonoma County are Gerstle Cove (4.4 from 23 reviews), Stillwater Cove (4.4 from 7 reviews) and Ocean Cove (4.0 from 1 review).
Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Sonoma County?
The top-rated beginner sites are Stillwater Cove (4.4 from 7 reviews), Ocean Cove (4.0 from 1 review) and Fort Ross (2.0 from 1 review).
Where can I shore dive in Sonoma County?
Gerstle Cove, Stillwater Cove, Ocean Cove and Fort Ross are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
Are there dive shops in Sonoma County?
Zentacle lists 1 dive shop in Sonoma County. The top-rated is SEALS Watersports (4.7 from 18 reviews).