Iron Bound Cove and Bay

California, United States

Depth

18m

Visibility

5m - 14m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

Iron Bound Cove and Bay

California, United States

Depth

18m

Visibility

5m - 14m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

About Iron Bound Cove and Bay

This is a very sandy area filled with abundance in halibut and rays. Excellent bottom topography for underwater photography. Close to the shore you will find many rock formations covered in pristine coral growth.

Iron Bound Cove and Bay Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Drift, Other, Reef, Rock

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

18m

Visibility Range

5m – 14m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 50%

O₂

CNS Load (45 min)

13% at 16m / 36%

O₂

Multi-Level Dive Planner

Photo gallery

No photos yet.

Be the first to share your shots from Iron Bound Cove and Bay. Your photos help other divers plan their trip.

Marine Life

Halibuts
Lobsters
Pelagic Fish
Rays
Scallops
Sea Bass
Various

Weather Conditions

Water temperature (℃)

Air temperature range (℃)

Average air temperature (℃)

Wind speed (km/h)

Precipitation (mm)

Dive Operators near Iron Bound Cove and Bay

View all operators in United States

Location

Dive Site Hazards

Eddy Pull-Off Zones — Eddies behind structures can pull divers away from the main drift line.
Delayed Surface Pickup — Strong current can exceed surface tracking assumptions, delaying boat pickup.
Vertical Current Shear — Currents may vary by depth, causing vertical separation even when divers stay together.

Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

Bubble Trapping Under Overhangs — Rock overhangs can trap exhaled bubbles, reducing visibility and causing disorientation.

Reflected Surge Patterns — Surge reflecting off rock faces can create irregular and unpredictable water movement.

Current Funnel Effect — Narrow gaps between rocks can accelerate water flow unexpectedly.

Discover More

Discover United States

Connect with Operators

More Dive Sites

Oceania - Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a stunning South Pacific archipelago, offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating scuba diving experiences in the world. With its warm tropical waters, vibrant coral reefs, and historic wrecks like the famous SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu is a haven for divers of all skill levels. From exploring volcanic underwater landscapes to encountering rich marine biodiversity, Vanuatu’s pristine dive sites provide unforgettable adventures, all set against a backdrop of lush islands and tranquil lagoons.

Learn More

South America - Brazil

Brazil’s vast coastline and tropical islands make it a captivating destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. From the vibrant reefs of the Abrolhos Archipelago to the historic wrecks of Recife and the dramatic underwater cliffs of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil offers dive experiences for every level. With warm waters, incredible marine biodiversity, and breathtaking underwater landscapes, Brazil is a must-visit destination for divers seeking adventure, beauty, and cultural charm both above and below the surface.

Learn More

Asia - Philippines

The Philippines, a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With over 7,000 islands, it boasts pristine coral reefs, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and a rich diversity of marine life. From the iconic Tubbataha Reefs to the thresher shark encounters in Malapascua, the Philippines offers unparalleled diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers. Whether exploring shallow coral gardens or delving into historic WWII wrecks, every dive unveils a new world of adventure.

Learn More