Point Loma’s kelp beds are located off San Diego just south of the dive destination Wreck Alley and has long been overlooked, usually visited as a short third dive. San Diego as a whole has many great dive spots including La Jolla Shores, Scripps Canyon, La Jolla Cove and of course wreck alley with the Yukon, Ruby E and the NOSC Tower, all of which have been a wonderful draw for the dive boat operators in the area.
Point Loma is only a short trip out from Seaforth Village on any dive boat, and should be a destination all to itself. The sites here host a variety of sea life, Indian artifacts, kelp beds and World War 2 relics.
The nutrient rich waters are fed by cool pacific currents pushing up from the Baja peninsula, as well as down from the northern Channel Islands. The conditions range but fair to very good visibility. Dive sites such as “Lazy Days,” “7 Fathoms,” “N-Rod” and “Anchor Management” are dreams come true for the macro photographer.
On several nudibranch hunts, we have tallied up 16 to 19 different species on a single dive. Rockfish of many varieties call these places their home, as do moray eels, sculpin and scorpion fish, lobsters, many varieties of shrimp and, on occasion, a six gill shark, soupfin sharks and California bat rays.
One of my favorite dive sites is “Lazy Days,” a World War 2 troop transport vessel that through some twist of fate ended up as a dive site. Just a short time ago it was rediscovered and after a 50-year hiatus, it is has taken on a new identity.
The site is actually two massive reef structures that wrap themselves into a loose horseshoe formation around the wreck site. In the middle is the pancaked wreck. When you reach the bottom, the reefs can be seen without a problem; however, it is always wise to take a read from your compass. The impressive rocky pinnacles reach up from the sand at around the 80-foot mark 40 or 50 feet into the water column. Walls, ledges, overhangs and plateaus are plentiful and waiting to be explored.
The steel hull and windless crank are now home to an array of invertebrate life and worthy of investigation. It is reported that a white scorpionfish inhabits this wreck, but I have not found it as of yet. With just a few kick cycles across the sand, you will find yourself entrenched in the reef systems. Macro to the max, everywhere you look there is life. Pink-mouthed hydroids gently swaying, large red gorgonians filled with simnia snails and white Tritonia festiva nudibranchs. Big eyes peering out with mesmerized fish begging to have they’re photos taken.
After reaching my turnaround time, I usually opt to ascend via the kelp. The massive macrocystis growing from sand to surface make for a nice way to return topside. Exploring the kelp fronds one could expect to find more nudibranchs, crabs and perhaps some rare kelp gunnels. There are, of course, the curious bass and señoritas.
It’s easy to do extended safety stops as there is much to see. In addition to exploring the kelp I also enjoy looking into the open water, I have seen tuna and yellowtail, barracudas, playful California sea lions and the ever-inquisitive harbor seal.
The local dive operators usually run weekly day trips with lighter loads making Point Loma a popular spot for us midweekers. The weekends can get pretty busy so planning ahead is encouraged and reservations are a must.
When diving Point Loma it is a good idea to bring a safety sausage as conditions may change and the waterways can be a bit busy. Open water ascents here are not recommended.
So the next time you or your photo-crazed dive buddies are looking for a new adventure, make a few calls and head down to Point Loma.
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