Malaga Cove offers a thick, healthy Kelp Forest with a rocky structure and tons of fish! Garibaldi, Senoritas, Blacksmith, Kelp Bass, Sheephead and Blue Banded Goby can be found here. Large Bats Rays, Horn Sharks, Angel Sharks, Octopus, Barracuda and various Bait Fish can also be found, but may be seasonal. There is little to no current here and the shallow waters make this a popular site! Difficulty Level 7.5/10.
Interests: Garibaldi, Senoritas, Blacksmith, Kelp Bass, Sheephead and Blue Banded Goby can be found here. Large Bats Rays, Horn Sharks, Angel Sharks, Octopus, Barracuda and various Bait Fish can also be found, but may be seasonal.
Entry & Exits: Use prudent judgement when Beach Diving, perform an environmental assessment of the area before you gear up. Follow the path down to the Rocky boulders (moderate) or sandy beach (easy). Only divers with rocky entry experience should attempt the rocky area. Apply a surf entry appropriate to the current conditions and within the scope of your training.
Suggestions: Beginner dives should enter from the Sandy Beach and surface swim out to the reef
Best time to Dive: During small North & North West swells and High Tide.
Visibility: 10 - 25ft
Warnings: The climb back to the parking lot is extremely strenuous, pace yourself and use caution!
Depth recommendations: 10 - 30ft is where most of the points of interest are for this site. 40 ft is recommended maximum depth for this dive site.
Safety: Use of a Float, Flag, Anchor and Descent line are required for Beach Diving. Cell Phone, Oxygen Kit and First Aid Kit are always recommended.
