Mendocino Coast Abalone: The major diving attraction along Mendocino coast is abalone. Spear fishing is also popular and in August of 2000, the US National Free-diving Spearfishing Championships were held in the Russian Gulch area just 6 miles south of Noyo.
The rocky
and scenic Mendocino coastline features extensive kelp forests providing
excellent habitat for both abalone and fish. There are
numerous places that provide easy public access. Bull Kelp is the predominate
kelp species and Little River Bay at of Van Damme State Beach features one
of California's northern-most stands of Giant Kelp. Popular dive sites
include, Westport, MacKerricher State Park, Glass Beach, Noyo Bay, Caspar
Bay, Mendocino Bay and Albion.
Click here for a
map of the Mendocino coastline from Albion to Westport. This link
is to a 120 KB file so unless you are using a fast connection, it may take
a few minutes to download. Several good dive and kayak launching sites
are marked. You might find it useful for planning purposes, however it
lacks sufficient detail to serve as your only guide to reach the various
sites.
Click here for a link to written descriptions of numerous access sites
along the Mendocino Coast. While this access guide was written specifically
with kayak access in mind, many of the access locations covered happen
to be excellent dive sites too. Obviously, the use of a kayak will also
enable divers to reach areas that are bordered by steep cliffs and/or private
property which are otherwise inaccessible.
The Fort Bragg/Mendocino coast is California's top Abalone diving area and it can get crowded on weekends during abalone season (the open season is 4/01/04 to 6/30 & 8/1-11/31/04) Fortunately, there are plenty of these delectable mollusks for everyone but finding a place to park at the most popular dive sites may be a challenge.
Abalone Diving Package
RENTAL
6.5
mil wetsuit, boots, fins, mask, snorkel, gloves, hood, weight belt, pry bar, gauge, and float tube
Per day: …………..……………..….$25.00
WANT TO BUY THE GEAR?
Click Here
|
Extended hours
during abalone season on any weekend day with a daytime low tide of: -0.5
feet or less
during daylight hours. |
Noyo-Pacific Outfitters
Kayak & Dive Equipment: Rentals & Sales
32400 North
Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone:
(707) 961-0559 Fax: (707) 961-0809
"You Deserve a Good Paddling!"
(home)
Updated: 04/22/04 dm