Diving atTerranea Resort/ Old Marineland (United States)
Terranea Resort/Old Marineland offers a distinctive Southern California diving experience, distinguished by its invertebrate abundance. Formerly the site of Marineland of the Pacific, it now encompasses two main dive areas: Long Point and Cobble Beach. This location regularly records more nudibranch species than any other Southern California site, establishing it as a significant draw for macro photographers and enthusiasts.
Evening condition tracking at Terranea Resort/ Old Marineland features an air temperature of 17.8°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.96m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
33.7388, -118.3935
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
This dive site, sometimes referred to as Old Marineland in Palos Verdes, offers two distinct areas for exploration: Long Point and Cobble Beach. Long Point is generally favored for its richer kelp forests and more abundant marine life, though it demands a more challenging rocky entry.
Cobble Beach, while still requiring navigation over loose shoreline rocks, provides easier access for divers. A practical approach often involves entering at Long Point and then exiting at Cobble Beach, simplifying the return journey. Divers can anticipate depths ranging from 4.5 to 15 m (15 to 50 ft) across most areas within easy swimming distance.
Visibility here typically averages around 6 m (20 ft), occasionally extending to 12-15 m (40-50 ft) under optimal conditions. The reefs comprise large pinnacles heavily covered with diverse invertebrates.
Dive planning should account for the site's overall difficulty, rated as challenging due to the entry/exit logistics and potential long surface swims, making it less suitable for beginner or intermediate beach divers.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions generally align with the summer and early fall months, from June through September, when air temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is minimal. Air temperatures peak around 20.89°C (69.6°F) in August and remain warm through September, contributing to more comfortable surface conditions. These months also see the lowest average rainfall, with July recording only 0.015 mm and June 0.096 mm, reducing runoff and potentially improving visibility. Furthermore, average wave heights are typically calmer during this period, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 m (2.85 to 2.92 ft), which can make entries and exits less strenuous. While diving is possible year-round, conditions between March and June may offer the additional opportunity to spot White Sea Bass on the fringes of the kelp beds.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Currents at Terranea are typically mild, with no noticeable flow for much of the time. Occasionally, however, a light south-easterly current may be present along the shore. Divers here navigate a predominantly rocky shore entry that can be challenging, necessitating careful footing over loose stones. The surf is usually calm, but larger swells can occur; divers should assess conditions thoroughly before entering. Underwater, the topography features extensive reef systems and large pinnacles that are vibrant with invertebrate life. Healthy sea fans and colorful gorgonians are prolific, creating a textured habitat. Long Point is particularly known for its extensive kelp forests, which offer rich environments but require divers to be comfortable with potential kelp entanglement. Depths range from 4.5 to 15 m (15 to 50 ft) in accessible areas.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
This site carries a high difficulty rating, making prudent judgment and careful planning essential for all divers. The rocky shore entry demands caution, and it's often advisable to drop down into the water to avoid slipping, rather than attempting to walk too far in. Divers should always assess the environmental conditions, especially surf size, and dive within their comfort and ability levels. Buddy diving is strongly recommended. Should you find yourself tangled in kelp, remember that kelp breaks relatively easily, so staying calm is key. While marine life is abundant, divers should be aware of electric torpedo rays; these rays are known to be unafraid of divers and can deliver a significant electrical charge if provoked, so maintaining a respectful distance is advised.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
5mm wetsuit usually provides adequate warmth in water around this temperature. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. For divers entering the water at Terranea Resort/ Old Marineland, temperatures are currently hovering around 18°C (65°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 18°C (64°F).
Forecasts suggest a slight cooling pattern in the days ahead. Cooler days are ahead; you might want a warmer option for later in the week. Some divers bring an extra layer for surface intervals between dives.
Conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at Terranea Resort/ Old Marineland
The underwater environment at Terranea Resort/Old Marineland showcases a notable diversity of invertebrate life, particularly nudibranchs, with more species reported here than any other Southern California site. Divers frequently encounter crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters, alongside sea anemones and starfish across the rocky substrate. Fish species include Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Tree Fish, and Cabezon, often schooling with baitfish. Scorpionfish and Moray Eels are common, often concealed within reef structures. Larger visitors can include Bat Rays, Horn Sharks, and occasionally Angel Sharks or Shovelnose Guitarfish. The site also features electric torpedo rays, octopuses, and from March through June, White Sea Bass along the kelp bed fringes.
Moray Eel
Scorpionfish
Shark
Crab
Octopuses
Cabezon
Kelp Forest
Kelp Bed
Lobster
Starfish
Sea Anemone
Torpedo Rays
Nudibranch
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique marine life can be seen?
The site is notable for its diverse nudibranch population, recording more species here than any other Southern California site. Divers also frequently encounter electric torpedo rays, octopuses, various rockfish, and seasonally, White Sea Bass along the kelp beds. Crustaceans like crabs and lobsters are common finds, often alongside healthy sea fans and colorful gorgonians.
What is the overall difficulty level of diving at Terranea Resort/Old Marineland?
This site carries a high difficulty rating, primarily due to the challenging rocky shore entry and exit, and potential for long surface swims. It's considered less suitable for beginner or intermediate beach divers. Prudent judgment and careful planning are essential for all divers approaching this location.
When is the best time of year to dive at this site?
Optimal diving conditions generally align with the summer and early fall months, from June through September. During this period, air temperatures are higher, rainfall is minimal, and average wave heights are typically calmer, making entries less strenuous. While diving is possible year-round, March through June may offer opportunities to spot White Sea Bass.
How should divers approach entry and exit at Terranea?
Divers face a challenging rocky shore entry and exit, necessitating careful footing over loose stones. It's often advisable to drop into the water to avoid slipping rather than walking too far in. Entering at Long Point and exiting at Cobble Beach can simplify the return journey, but divers should always assess surf conditions thoroughly before committing.
Are there any specific safety considerations or marine hazards to be aware of?
Divers should be aware of electric torpedo rays, which are unafraid of divers and can deliver a significant electrical charge if provoked; maintaining respectful distance is advised. Kelp entanglement is a possibility, but kelp breaks easily if you remain calm. Buddy diving is strongly recommended, and always dive within your comfort and ability levels.
What are the typical depths and visibility expected?
Divers can anticipate depths ranging from 4.5 to 15 m (15 to 50 ft) across most areas within easy swimming distance. Visibility here typically averages around 6 m (20 ft). Under optimal conditions, visibility can occasionally extend to 12-15 m (40-50 ft).
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