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Old Marineland
 Palos Verdes, CA
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Average Viz: 11-15ft/3-5m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Sand
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Rating: 3.89 by 18 divers
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Old Marineland is a shore accessible salt water dive site, located in Palos Verdes, CA. This dive site has an average rating of 3.89 out of 5 from 18 scuba divers. The average visibility is 11-15ft/3-5m.
This is an awesome shore dive, plan for a rock entry and if the surf is heavy you may have to enter at the cobblestone cove to the NE. Plan to see many different varieties of Nudibranch and lots of other interesting critters. This site often offers conditions close to what you would expect at Catalina Island. Because of the rocky entry and exits this is an intermediate level dive.
7103 Westward Beach Rd.Palos Verdes, CA
Skill Level: Advanced with experience making rocky bottom entrances.
Diving conditions once in the water can be navigated by most novice divers, however the rocky entrances can be potentially dangerous for divers without experience with these types of entries. Two entry points exist at this beach. The southern cove at this beach is covered entirely by small rocks and rounded boulders. Divers should be aware of the surf conditions, as waves here break relatively close to shore. As sure footing is very difficult to attain at this point for even advanced divers, when crashing waves are added to an already precarious entrance this entry can become very difficult to complete without falling over.
The northern entrance should only be attempted by expert divers under pristine conditions. Even under the most perfect conditions divers should still be exceptionally cautious as even the smallest of waves can pose a threat when rushing between the large boulders found at this point. Hard sole dive boots are recommended for making entrances at both locations.
Visibility: 10-20 feet
Bottom Composition: Old Marineland is comprised of both a largely sandy bottom in the cove surrounded by several rock reefs both inside and outside Old Marineland Point. Kelp is clearly visible to the left and right of the lower beach. The reef structure varies from large boulders to long shelf structures. Many of the reef structures are formed into overhangs, while some resemble small underwater arches. To view pictures of Old Marineland’s reef structure and bottom composition please click this link!
Dangers: The dive spot entrances pose the greatest potential of danger to divers. One not so obvious threat is the long walk to the entrance point. Under the weight of equipment, and in the confines of a 7mm thick wet suit, the walk to the entrances exposes divers to over exertion and over-heating.
http://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/old-marineland-rancho-palos-verdes-california
http://www.calcoastdivers.com/DiveLocations/oml.html
http://www.pacificwilderness.com/Dive%20Sites/LA%20County/Palos%20Verdes/MarineLand/MarineLand.htm