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Staircase in Malibu, California.

 malibu, california

Staircase, which is located in northern Malibu, is one of our most remote dive sites but is well worth the trip. The site is named after the grueling hike up and down the steep cliff path, that has been dubbed "heart attack hill" by the locals. Any diver who overcomes these challenges will be rewarded with an amazing, beautiful, healthy kelp forest with a vast array of marine life. The action begins right when you hit the water and goes out a moderate distance to depth no greater than 40ft depth. Playful harbor seals often visit divers at this location, creating an unforgettable experience.

Dive site difficulty level is 8 of 10.

Marine Life Includes:

Giant Kelp Fish, Sheephead, Bat Rays, Sheep Crabs, Rock-fish, Spanish Shawl, and a variety of other Pacific Coast Inshore fish. Lucky divers will see Nudibranchs, Harbor Seals, Spotted Kelp Fish, or Guitar Fish.


D
ivers should enter the water at the bottom of the staircase and visit the reefs to the left or to the right. The kelp growth is mainly from 18ft - 26ft depth, but reef continues out to 40ft. All sand after that. staircasegoogle.jpg

Mornings & high tide are always best. Visibility ranges from 18ft in the winter and spring to 30ft in summer and fall. Dives here are best from late August to early December. 

The climb back to the parking lot can be tough, so try to avoid entry/exit at low tide unless you like crawling over rocks. Use prudent judgement when Beach Diving, perform an environmental assessment of the area before you gear up.

Depth Recommendations: 20 - 40ft is where most of the points of interest are for this site.

Safety: Use of float, flag, anchor and descent line to avoid any issues with boaters. Cell Phone, Oxygen Kit and First Aid Kit are always recommended.

40000 PCH Malibu, CA.

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