Steep hike over slippery sand, then entry over shallow, slippery rocks. There is nice snorkeling available along the shoreline and a small kelp forest in the middle of the cove. The best diving is on the reef beyond the cove. The high spot breaks the surface at low tide. Follow this reef south and you will find overhangs, walls, lobsters, sponges, fish and nudibranchs. The east side of the reef has vertical walls as high as fifteen feet. The reef continues to eighty feet where it ends at the sand.

Located in the posh Palos Verdes area, grab your street map and follow along:  From the Pacific Coast Highway, head South on Palos Verdes Blvd for 1.4 miles.  Turn right on Palos Verdes Drive West.   In 3.8 miles, turn right on Paseo Lunado which becomes Paseo Del Mar.  You'll see the park on your right.

Christmas Tree Cove

I came out to visit a dive buddy and this is where he took me. Not the easiest dive, but I guess he wanted to see how tough I was!  It was a good climb down (and up) with the gear-- we made two trips both ways, so I think you need to be in pretty good shape.  The Star Fish and Lobster were the highlights of the dive -- I really love California diving.  'Bitchen' I think they say :-)  Just be careful with your entry and exit, and you should have a great dive.

Bruce Irvine's Dive Log

@bruce_irvine

1 dives