Russian Gulch

California, United States

Depth

Visibility

5m - 14m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

Russian Gulch

California, United States

Depth

Visibility

5m - 14m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

About Russian Gulch

This small beach is located in the Sonoma Coast State Beach. Despite the shallow waters, this site has ripping currents and is suitable for advanced level divers only. Here you will also find the Russian River discharging into the beach, which can make the water murky, and visibility decreased. Bottom consists of rock formations and sand. Surrounded by rocky cliffs. Ideal spot for spearfishing. Abundant marine life.

Russian Gulch Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Rock, Drift, Other

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

Visibility Range

5m – 14m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21%

O₂

CNS Load (45 min)

6% at 7m / 36%

O₂

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Marine Life

Blacksmiths
Garibaldi
Groupers
Lingcods
Sheepheads
Various

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature ℃

Dive Operators near Russian Gulch

Seals Watersports, Llc
134.64km

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

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.

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.

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