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Shell Beach

Shell Beach

California, United States

Depth
Depth Icon

15m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

5m - 14m

Entry
Shore Entry Icon

Shore

Experience Level

Advanced

Shell Beach

California, United States

Shell Beach
Depth
Depth Icon

15m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

5m - 14m

Entry
Shore Entry Icon

Shore

Experience Level

Advanced

About Shell Beach
This site lays South of La Jolla Coves. Because of strong currents , this dive is for advanced divers only. It has a sandy bottom covered in shells, hence the name "Shell Beach". It also has a wall covered in various coral and marine life.

Shell Beach Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Drift, Wall, Reef

Entry Type

Shore

Max Depth

15m

Visibility Range

5m – 14m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21%

O2
CNS Load (45 min)

11% at 13m / 36%

O2
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Marine Life
  • Guitar Fish
  • Leopard Sharks
  • Sting Rays
Weather Conditions
Water Temperature ℃
Dive Operators near Shell Beach
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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.

  • Unstable Visual Ascents — Relying on wall visuals can destabilise ascents.

  • Gradual Depth Creep — Lack of visual bottom reference can cause unnoticed descent.

  • Unsignalled Downcurrents — Downcurrents can form without visible indicators.

  • 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.

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