Halibut point 8/20

[reefseal]

Had the priviledge of diving Halibut Point off my friends boat today. It was a good day to get out. Seas were flat calm. Surface water temp around 72. He anchored just off the furthest point north just to the left of the huge pile of rocks in about 40 fsw. The vis was EXCELLENT! (30 feet plus?) Temp at depth 50-55 degrees. I got in around 4:30 PM I swam towards the shore but didn't go too close as it was a bit surgy where the sea weed was. I spent the time touring the impressive huge ping granite boulders between 15 feet and 30 feet. Lots of huge overhangs, and crevices. In a way, a lot like neverfail ledge and Lanes cove. I was expecting some steep granite walls but never came across them. The shore gradually slopes. I guess there are more dramatic wall drop offs to the left of the point. Was such a treat to experience it without the hike.
69 min Bottom Time, 49 fsw max

We then cruised along the shore to Rockport. It was cool seeing Cathedral Rocks, Folly from the water.

 

[dave4868]

Again, thanks for an interesting dive report!

What kind of marine life did you see?

Did the bottom flatten out to gravel at 49' at that spot? On my chart it looks like deeper water isn't too far off.

Dave C

 

[reefseal]

Forgot to mention about sea life. Because of the huge granite structures, I only came across bugs and lots of them. Didn't have any dogfish sightings nor any other critters other than the occasional flounder. I didn't venture further away from shore beyond where where we anchored. (I shocked myself when heading back, found the anchor line!) I went past it just a bit as there were a cool little trench. I noticed beyond it, was sloping down further but didn't notice if sand was beyond it. Had I had more air, would have gone to check it out to see how much deeper it got.

 

[fencingfish]

Glad you were able to get out, reefseal! And I'm glad you could experience Halibut Point without the jungle hike and treacherous entry. Your critter report sounds like our Lane's dive. Where'd all the cool critters go?

Halibut definitely gets deeper than 49', I hit 59' near one of the lobster pots on my dive there and we weren't too far out, probably gets even a few feet deeper than that further out. Though it did look pretty level or possibly gently sloping at 59'.

 

[reefseal]

I would be very interested in checking out where exactly you entered. (the end of the goat path) I was clearly in a different spot than where you guys dove. We were probably 50 yards off shore which was in the area at the end of the trail from the main parking lot. Next time on CA, I need to do a hike from the point you pointed out to me and find out where it ends up. I would like to go back there (by boat) to check out the area you guys dove to see if different from where I was. I guess was hoping there was some sloping huge granite walls.