California Scuba Diving Information - supplied by Mitchell Scuba
Mendocino County
GLASS BEACH - FORT BRAGG
(BEACH DIVING)
(SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE TO ADVANCED - DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS)

Glass Beach has been a favorite local Abalone and spearfishing spot for local residents of the town of Fort Bragg for many years. If you happen to be in the area want to get a fairly easy limit of Abalone this is a great spot to dive. The spear fishing is also fairly good as you get further out. The bottom is slopes gradually and is shallow to a depth of about 25 feet until you get to the last wash rock shown in the above picture. The abalone seem fairly abundant and an experienced diver would have no problem getting a limit. Past the wash rock the bottom drops away gradually and is a very scenic scuba dive. This cove occasionally gets large waves and rough conditions. As always, check the conditions before diving.

Getting to Glass Beach is very easy and straightforward. Drive to Fort Bragg (no, and there has never been a fort). Turn towards the ocean on Elm Street and go about 1/4 mile all the way to Glass Beach Drive. There is ample parking available on the side of Glass Beach Drive.

Above are pictures of the street signs and the mandatory "rules" sign that seems commonplace today.

The rest is easy. Just park and suit up, and walk down the path to the corner of the fence. Turn left for about 20 feet and head down to the beach on the path on the right side. The area inside of the fence used to be the towns' Georgia - Pacific lumber mill.

Above are pics of the path to the beach entry trail adjacent to the "dangerous surf" sign.

At the end of the fence there is a large "NO TRESPASSING" sign. Turn left for about 20 feet follow the path on your right down to the beach. This is a very easy path to follow and should present no problems. OK, time to get wet and grab abs - then bag 'em and tag 'em.

Above are pics of the left turn to the beach entry trail and the final result, an abalone dinner.

Enjoy your dive here. If you decide to do a Scuba dive you might want to bring a cart since the walk is about 150 yards or so from the parking area to the small cliff overlooking the beach. Great place for a picnic and just a very nice area to dive.

The decision to dive (or not) is your responsibility. Keep diving activities within your training and comfort level. If you feel more training or experience is needed before attempting a dive, don't dive. Know personal limits, skill levels, and abilities of yourself and your dive buddy. Dive Safely and Dive Often!

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, contact me.

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