General Information
La Jolla Shores
is located in beautiful La Jolla, California.This beach is within the boundaries
of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, so taking or hunting of marine life
is not permitted.
The
beach is often crowded with sunbathers, surfers, swimmers, and divers.
When you enter the water, the shore slopes of very gradually. You can
drop down in about 15 feet of water, swim west over the sand, and slowly
descend towards the canyon. Or, you can swim on the surface
to conserve air, and dropdown at the canyon edge. But be aware of
your position when approaching depths over 60'. For
advanced divers, there is easy access to the deeper sections of the
La Jolla submarine canyon.
Marine Life
Nudibranchs
(Black Dorid,Catalina Triopha, Spotted Triopha, San Diego Dorid, White
Spotted Porostome, and many more), Snails, Crabs, Round Rays, Bat Rays
Butterfly Rays, Damsel Fish (Wrass, Blacksmith), Black Sea Bass, Jellyfish,
and so much more. Leopard sharks, halibut,
and scorpion fish are common, as well as starfish, sea pansies, sea
pens, and sand dollars, This dive site is populated
with marine life, but you must look carefully and be patient while
looking, it is not always obvious.
Conditions
The conditions are usually
good, with relatively small surf and often favorable visibility. The
bottom compostion is mostly sand. It is always a good idea to check
with nearby lifeguards for updated conditions and hours of lifeguard
operation before diving at the Shores. Be aware of any alongshore currents.
Facilities
There are newly renovated public rest rooms,with showers,a playground,
fire pits, a boat launch and
telephones. There are several hotels, retail stores and restaurants
located within 4 blocks.
Lifeguards
The
lifeguard station at the Shores has lifeguards on duty year round.
The station opens at 9am in the summer and closes at sunset. Free
parking spots (approx. 300) are available in a the lot next to the
beach, but the lot generally fills up by 8:30am. Other parking is
available on the surrounding streets. The large grassy area of Kellogg
Park makes for an ideal place to stage and don your gear.
General Information 
