Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Rancho Palos Verdes

Rocky exit and entry with three distinct dive areas. The near shore reef, known as the Garden is shallow with kelp, sand and the usual reef animals. The 120 Reef is located 120 degrees from the beach. It has more sponges and fish than the Garden and is a relatively short swim from shore. It is a good beginners spot. The Point, in front of the Terranea Hotel is the highlight of Marineland. Pinnacles, gorgonians, dozens of species of nudibranchs and much more invertebrate life than the 120 Reef. Interests: Nudibranchs (especially between 40 & 65ft off the point), Octopus, Blennies & Sculpins on the shallow pinnacles near the point The reefs consist of large pinnacles covered with invertebrates. Healthy Sea fans with colorful Gorgonians are prolific, Rockfish, Lingcod, Cabezon, Scorpionfish and many schooling fish can be found here. An occasional Bat Ray, Sea-lion, Torpedo Ray, or Guitarfish will often surprise the diver. Terranea Resort, formerly Marineland of the Pacific. 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, east of Point Vicente Lighthouse. By boat or alternate access, walk in! Marineland is also known as Old Marineland.

Access from shore involse a car shuttle and a long hike down a gated dirt road. The diving is shallow with little to no visibility, but when the vis is good you will find fish and nudibranchs galore. Hopkin's Rose nudis are on nearly every rock in 5-10 feet of water. From the locked gate at Portugese Bend, the dirt road winds its way down to the cliff below. Entry is from the gravel beach. Archery Range is also known as Portugese Bend.

Pinnacles rising from the depths up to just a few feet below the surface. Invertebrates everywhere. Pelagics occur often. I've seen two Thresher sharks here. Boat only. Because of heavy boat traffic a dive flag is required. Pt. Vicente Pinnacles is also known as Whale Rock.

Under water arch large enough to drive a car through. The reef is coverd with sponges, nudibranchs and scallops. Treacherous hike and very long swim. Best dived from a boat. Underwater Arch is also known as Neptune Cove.

invertebrates, sheepshead Short walk from Parking Lot

Located directly offshore from the end of Hawthorne Blve. in Rancho Palos Verdes. The site used to be called Barber Pole for a line up that used to be at Golden Shores shopping Center. Hawthorne Reef is also known as Barber Pole.

On December 6, 2003 the commercial fishing boat Jenny Lynne sank off Long Point, Rancho Palos Verdes. The owner, Vito Terzoli said the boat began taking on water and sank shortly after its crew was picked up by another boat, the San Pedro Pride. Rumors swirled about insurance scamming, but no charges were ever brought. The wreck sits in 145 feet on its starboard side. Rigging and nets still cover the wreck, but metridium anemones and rockfish soon took over the wreck. Visibility is usually poor, but can be over thirty feet at times.