Treasure Island/Montage

Entry and exit are from the beach. There can be moderate surf, so timing your entry and exit with wave sets is important. The beach is fairly steep, which can make entries and exits challenging, especially during low tide.

Beach access is via a staircase next to the Montage Resort. It's a bit of a hike, so be prepared to carry your gear down (and back up) the stairs.

The site is home to a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to see garibaldi, sheephead, kelp bass, and various species of rockfish. The rocky areas are home to lobsters, octopuses, and colorful nudibranchs. Leopard sharks and bat rays are occasionally spotted in the sandy areas.

The site features a mix of rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy areas. There are several large boulders and rock formations that create interesting swim-throughs and overhangs. The reef extends out from the shore, gradually sloping to deeper water. Kelp forests provide vertical structure and habitat for many species.

Limited free parking is available along Coast Highway, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. There's also a paid parking lot at the Montage Resort, which is closer to the beach access.

There are restrooms and outdoor showers available at the beach. The nearby Montage Resort offers additional amenities, though they're primarily for resort guests.

Low to moderate, as the challenging entry and exit points tend to limit the number of recreational divers. Weekends can see increased traffic, but this site rarely gets overcrowded compared to more accessible Laguna Beach dive spots.

The entry and exit can be extremely hazardous during high surf or low tide conditions. Plan your dive around high tide for safer access. Strong surge can develop even on days with modest swell, creating challenging conditions in swim-throughs and narrow passages. Accidental contact with the reef is both environmentally damaging and potentially dangerous due to sharp rocks and fire coral. Watch for boat traffic when surfacing, as fishing boats occasionally pass through the area.