Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach lies along the Orange County coast of Southern California, known for its coves and rocky points that draw local shore divers, situated between Newport Beach and Dana Point with several small marine protected areas along its shoreline. Diving here reaches a maximum depth of around 12.2 metres and is generally rated advanced, with entries involving rocky terrain, difficult hikes down to the water, long surface swims, and waves and surge that can build strong during south swells. High surf is part of the picture, and divers should stay clear of sea lions hauled out on the rocks. Divers have reported nudibranchs and octopus among the marine life along this stretch.

Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.

• GaribaldiHypsypops rubicundusReported here · unconfirmed
• California SheepheadBodianus pulcherReported here · unconfirmed
• Kelp BassParalabrax clathratusReported here · unconfirmed
• Rock WrasseHalichoeres semicinctusReported here · unconfirmed
• Ochre Sea StarPisaster ochraceusReported here · unconfirmed
• Sunburst AnemoneAnthopleura solaReported here · unconfirmed
• Blacksmith ChromisChromis punctipinnisReported here · unconfirmed
• OctopusOctopusReported here · unconfirmed
• NudibranchNudibranchReported here · unconfirmed