Heisler Park

Entering and exiting the water at Heisler Park is generally easy, thanks to the sandy beach and gentle slope. Divers can walk directly into the water from the beach, with minimal surf to contend with on most days. The calm conditions make it suitable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners.

Accessing the dive site is straightforward. From the parking area, divers can follow the pathways leading to the beach. There is a convenient ramp with a shower at the bottom, which is useful for rinsing off gear after a dive. This ramp provides easy access to the beach, making it simple to carry and set up equipment.

Heisler Park is rich in marine life, offering divers the chance to see a variety of species. Common sightings include garibaldi, kelp bass, and opaleye. The area is also known for its frequent visits by leopard sharks and soupfin sharks, which are curious but not harmful to divers. The rocky reefs and kelp forests provide habitats for lobsters, sea stars, anemones, and occasional nudibranchs.

The underwater topology of Heisler Park features a mix of sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and kelp forests. The reefs start relatively close to shore and extend outward, creating an engaging and diverse environment for exploration. The kelp forests add vertical interest and shelter a wide range of marine life, enhancing the underwater scenery.

Parking at Heisler Park can be a bit tricky due to its popularity. There is metered parking available along Cliff Drive and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Arriving early is advisable to secure a spot, especially on weekends and holidays.

Heisler Park offers several facilities that enhance the diving experience. There are public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas available at the park. These amenities make it a comfortable location for spending an entire day diving and relaxing by the beach. Divers can also find various restaurants and cafes nearby, such as Husky Boy Burgers, for post-dive meals and refreshments.

High, especially on weekends and holidays. The park itself is a popular tourist destination, and the beaches below get crowded during warm weather. Divers should arrive early to secure parking and avoid the busiest times. The underwater area is spacious enough that once you're diving, crowds become less of an issue.

Be vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing, as this area sees frequent kayak and stand-up paddleboard activity. The rocky entry points can be slippery and treacherous, especially during low tide or high surf conditions. Strong surge can develop in narrow channels between reef structures. The site occasionally experiences strong offshore currents, so maintain awareness of your position relative to shore at all times.