Old Marineland

[RickH]

Was thinking about diving this site but wanted to know what it is like and things to take into consideration before I commit. Any info would be appreciated.

Also, what is the surf generally like? Seems like I have a hard time with even knee high surf.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

It's looking more like the public access won't be open until the official opening of Terranea Resort on June 1. It's my favorite beach dive in California. There are three main reefs areas to explore, plus a sandy plain. The two entry points are a rocky beach which can be extremely dangerous if the waves are over two feet, moderately dangerous in lesser surf. Several posters here on Scubaboard have the scars and broken bones to show for their efforts.
Entry from the point should only be made in calm conditions. It's a 1/4 mile hike to the point from the cove, and it requires climbing over boulders in full gear. The rewards can make the tough entries well worth it.

I have 960 pictures from Marineland (not Old Marineland) at Marineland pictures by PacificCoast101 - Photobucket

 

[Teamcasa]

He's the resident expert on Marineland and knows the beach better than most. Search Scubaboard for many more of his excellant posts on Marineland or OML for short.

 

[RickH]

I remember seeing quite a few of his posts on Marineland. I thought there was something to it as I haven't really seen anyone else talk about it.

I think I'll just stick to Laguna or better yet boat dives at Catalina.

Thanks for the info Bottomtime.

 

[FrankPro1]

I think I'll just stick to Laguna or better yet boat dives at Catalina.

Then your gonna be really missing out on some good diving. Marineland is by far my favorite shore diving site. Its variety of reefs and life can be on par with the islands on a good day. Laguna has some beautiful spots with excellent reef structure "Shaw's Cove for instance", but the variety of life is pale in comparison to Marineland.

The picture that Bottomtime posted is of a day when no one would ever consider diving. On a high tide with minimal swell the entrance/exit is easy. Just make sure to have a heavy tread booty and take your time. With the construction that's going on at the cobblestone beach right now, it appears many of the larger boulders on the beach have been moved over to make the drainage ditch. Effectively making the entrance/exit even easier.

Watch the swell model for a nice, flat day and take the time to dive what is an excellent set of reefs.

 

[ligersandtions]

Marineland is a great great site (heh, I shouldn't say that....don't want to give the secret away!), but you have to know when to dive there and when not to. You can get your @ss seriously kicked if you're not careful (luckily, I've learned by asking, rather than taking the @ss kicking). When it opens back up, hook up with some of the experienced divers and check it out. You definitely don't want to write it off.

But it is quite the trek in....you really have to want it. But once you're there, it's so worth it.

 

[Teamcasa]

Then your gonna be really missing out on some good diving. Marineland is by far my favorite shore diving site. Its variety of reefs and life can be on par with the islands on a good day. Laguna has some beautiful spots with excellent reef structure "Shaw's Cove for instance", but the variety of life is pale in comparison to Marineland.

for a nice, flat day and take the time to dive what is an excellent set of reefs.

I must confess that I have not dived Marineland in several years and if I thought my bad knees and big butt were up to the task, I dive it in a heartbeat.

So, if you are up to it, by all means don't miss one on SoCals best dive sites.

 

[RickH]

Where do you get your swell data from? I used WetSand SwellWatch 3D - Surf Report and Forecast for a night dive at Vets on the 16th. Before I left the house it was showing 1ft swells, and when we got there it was a lot more than 1ft. I tried twice but couldn't get through.

I'm not writing off Marinenland, I just think I need to improve my beach entry/exit.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Was thinking about diving this site but wanted to know what it is like and things to take into consideration before I commit. Any info would be appreciated.

Also, what is the surf generally like? Seems like I have a hard time with even knee high surf.

I was talking to a friend yesterday who is working on the project. Apparently the trail that runs from West of Point Vincente through the project is almost complete. There is access to the cove, but tragically from a diver's perspective, not to Long Point. I was on a bike ride yesterday around Palos Verdes and stopped by the old access point which is closed down due to the new golf course. Come June you should be able to to get to the cove, but it will be a long swim to the best dive sites. The days of Ted's pinnacle may be gone if you are not a strong swimmer, or do not have a boat.

 

[JMdiver]

Here's another site for wave models: CDIP recent nowcast