Crystal Cove recommendations?

[Jake]

Hello all-

My little dive group wants to do some dives inside of Crystal Cove (we've all dove quite a bit throughout Orange County, but never in CC). Most are divers with less than 20 dives, although the majority have earned their advanced open water cert (not that that necessarily counts for "real world" experience).

In any event, what are some good introductory dives? I'd prefer to keep things in the 20-40' range since some of the newer divers burn through their air, although recommendations over that are welcome as well. Are the historic anchors worth viewing?

Also, shorter walks are preferred (aren't they always? ).

Any geographic features worth checking out?

Finally, for my own reference, does anyone have coordinates for the Corsair wreck? I've been told that it's fading fast, so I'd like to check it out in the very near future.

 

[jetfixer]

Here's some info on the Corsair.

http://www.cawreckdivers.org/Wrecks/F4U1.htm

 

[Diver_Jan]

There is a Crystal Cove 'Map' by Franko. Check it out. There is no 'short walk' to the beach. Some like to pack up their gear on a wagon, and go down the ramp; others like to gear up and go down the steps. I perfer the later.

Viz this time of year is not that good, due to there is usually higher surf in this area. Watch the tides, and read the surf. It can also get very surgy in spots. With this said, I would watch for pristine conditions, otherwise it's not really worth the effort.

There are so many wonderful coves in Laguana. If you haven't checked out Woods Cove, I would suggest diving there. Cress/ Mountain Street outer reefs are also really cool to explore. Or if you want a shallow dive, dive Montage Resort. Beautiful if conditions are right.

Have fun, be SAFE.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Hello all-

My little dive group wants to do some dives inside of Crystal Cove (we've all dove quite a bit throughout Orange County, but never in CC). Most are divers with less than 20 dives, although the majority have earned their advanced open water cert (not that that necessarily counts for "real world" experience).

As far as I know there is diving at both Reef Point and Pelican Point in Crystal Cove State Park. I have not done Pelican Point but there is a write up in Darren Douglas' book. I really like Reef Point. Look at the point itself and you can follow the rocks out into the water that will keep you near the reef. There are many reefs with sand in between. One thing to know is the surf zone is wide so it is better not to go at low tide or you will have to work your way through shallow water for a long ways. The best diving is at about 30' depth.

Sure its a bit of a walk. But there are places that are a lot worse. Take your group to Thousand Steps in Laguna, Cardiac Hill in Palos Verdes and Los Tres Sierras (El Matador, El Pescador and La Preieda) in Malibu first. After that they will remark what a short walk Crystal Cove is.

 

[pasley]

...In any event, what are some good introductory dives? I'd prefer to keep things in the 20-40' range since some of the newer divers burn through their air, although recommendations over that are welcome as well. Are the historic anchors worth viewing?

Crystal Cove Reef Point is a shallow dive site. Staying under 30-40 feet should not be a problem

Also, shorter walks are preferred (aren't they always? ).

Well, that pretty much eliminates Crystal Cove, it is a long walk down the road to the beach.

Any geographic features worth checking out?

The whole place is great. Tons of reef strcutrue. In fact the shallow depth and the reef structrue are the biggest problem. Knee deep water 50 yards off shore interupted with neck deep water depending on which step you just took.

 

[scottfiji]

Reef point is great. Park on the left end of the parking lot, walk past the bathrooms, you will see a trail going down to the beach. Parking is $10.

To your right you will see a group of rocks going straight out to sea. Swim straight out (or slightly at an angle to your right, sort of towards the end of the rocks) until you are even with the end of the rocks, then drop down. You should be in about 35ft of water. the best diving is from 30-50ft, straight out from shore at this point.

** I would only dive here when surf is very low, and the tide is high.

here are photos from my dive:
http://gallery.scubapost.net/v/scottfiji/Crystal20050806/

Scott

 

[Jake]

Thanks everyone for the info.

Reef point is great. Park on the left end of the parking lot, walk past the bathrooms, you will see a trail going down to the beach. Parking is $10.

here are photos from my dive:
http://gallery.scubapost.net/v/scottfiji/Crystal20050806/

Scott

Nice photos Scott. How did you manage the shot of the octopus from underneath?

 

[Jake]

I know it's not the best photo, but are these the rocks in reference at Reef Point (the ones in the distance)? The ticket booths were closed, so I didn't have an exact placement for the point.

I went down there yesterday to do some recon, so to speak. If this is the right place, then man, you guys weren't kidding about the walks. I took both ways up/down, with the stairs being absolute murder. The longer dirth path isn't quite as bad and would be even easier with something like a wagon, as Jan suggests.

It's definitely pretty exposed, so comments about calm oceans seems to be absolutely necessary.

In any event, thanks again everyone.

 

[pasley]

I see you were there about high tide. There is lots of reef there and on the right day (small to no waves) a great dive.