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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Malibu

The top 9 dive and snorkel sites in Malibu, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Malibu guide

dive sites
9
reviews
26
Nearby areasMalibu9Naval Air Station Point Mugu3
9 sites, ranked by diver reviews
No photos yet
1

Landing cove

5.0(3 reviews)USA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

Landing Cove on Anacapa is one of the oldest marine reserves in Southern California. It has a lot of giant kelp, and lots of big friendly fish and lobsters. The sheephead get big! You may also spot octopi. Green morays occasionally pop up. In spring, look for schools of kelp bass with golden faces: this is part of their mating activity. This site is dived often by the Spectre and Peace, and sometimes by the Truth Aquatics boats. It can be dived from the pier on Landing Cove -- but be careful of the boat traffic!

BeginnerMax depth 40 ftBoat entry
Deer Creek Beach2

Deer Creek Beach

4.3(21 reviews)California Mid, USA West

This dive site is well off the beaten path, and relatively undisturbed. A reef and some kelp are found close to shore with excellent diving just beyond. Just East of Point Mugu State Park; 3.2 miles West of Mulholland Highway intersection with the Pacific Coast Highway (1); and 18 miles West of Malibu.

Shore entry
No photos yet
3

Arch Rock Cove

4.5(2 reviews)USA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

NE point of Anacapa Island.

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
4

Net Reef

No reviews yetUSA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

Rocky reefs covered by Gorgonians, brittle stars and nudibranchs.

BeginnerMax depth 80.1 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
5

Yellow Banks

No reviews yetUSA, California, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Island

Yellow Banks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, California, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 24.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
6

Cathedral

No reviews yetUSA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

Cathedral is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
7

Winfield Scott Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County

Nice little cove with remains of Winfield Scott Wreck - lots of kelp, Garibaldi, some times leopard sharks. Arch with go through in middle of the cove + tunnel (go through if not at low tide) on the left side of cove when looking at the island. Exact GPS coordinates are : 34D 00.57'N x 119D 23.25'W

BeginnerMax depth 42.7 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
8

Rat Rock

No reviews yetUSA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

The wall on the point at the West End of Anacapa has a lot of kelp and invertebrates. Occasionally you'll encounter friendly harbor seals or sea lions. As you head to the West, off the end of the island, depth and current increase. Via boat. The Spectre and Peace dive this spot often. The Truth boats out of Santa Barbara dive it occasionally.

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
9

Coral Reef

No reviews yetUSA, California, Santa Barbara, Anacapa Island

Anacapa, Channel Islands, California

IntermediateMax depth 49.9 ftBoat entry
Snorkeling & Scuba Map of Malibu: numbered map of the top 9 dive and snorkel sites, with ratings
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Numbers match the ranked list of Malibu dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Malibu diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Malibu for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 9 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 Malibu?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Malibu are Landing cove (5.0 from 3 reviews), Deer Creek Beach (4.3 from 21 reviews) and Arch Rock Cove (4.5 from 2 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Malibu?

The top-rated beginner sites are Landing cove (5.0 from 3 reviews) and Arch Rock Cove (4.5 from 2 reviews).