Point Dume

Entry and exit are challenging at this site, requiring navigation over rocky areas at low tide or timing swells at high tide. The entry point features a mix of sand and rock, and can be hazardous during larger swells.

Beach access requires a walk down a trail from the parking area to the beach. The trail can be steep in places, making gear transport somewhat challenging.

The site is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Divers regularly encounter large sheephead, kelp bass, and numerous rockfish species. The rocky structures provide habitat for lobsters, octopuses, and colorful nudibranchs. Bat rays and leopard sharks frequent the sandy areas, while bottlenose dolphins and sea lions are occasional visitors to the kelp forests.

The underwater landscape is dramatic, featuring steep rock walls, pinnacles, and large boulders. The reef drops quickly to depths of 60-70 feet, with impressive vertical relief throughout. Dense kelp forests grow along the rocky structures, creating a cathedral-like environment. Sand channels cut between reef sections, providing navigation references and habitat diversity.

Parking is available at the Point Dume State Beach lot, but spaces are limited and fill quickly on weekends. Additional street parking can be found in the surrounding area, though it requires a longer walk to the beach access.

Basic facilities including restrooms are available at Point Dume State Beach. There are no food concessions on site, so come prepared with your own supplies.

Low to moderate, as the challenging entry and advanced nature of the dive limit casual visitors. The site is known primarily to experienced local divers, though it can get busier on weekends with excellent conditions.

Strong currents can develop around the point, particularly during tide changes. The site is exposed to swells from multiple directions, making entry and exit potentially hazardous even on seemingly calm days. Boat traffic can be heavy around the point, so use a dive flag and exercise caution when surfacing. Surge can be powerful near the rock walls and in narrow channels. Experience with challenging shore entries and navigation in kelp forests is essential for diving this site safely.