Van Damme State Park is located about 3 miles South of the town of Mendocino at milepost 48.03. All of the campsites are very large and have fire pits and camp lockers. Hot showers are also available, don't forget your quarters. This area has many forest critters living in it, so beware the wily and dreaded raccoon, they usually dine very well.

Directly across Hwy. 1 from this campground is a beautiful stretch of flat sandy beach and a large parking lot. This campground is popular and I recommend making early reservations by calling 1-800-444-7275.

If you want to do a beach dive simply don your scuba gear and go out into the protected cove right off of the beach. This is an excellent spot to do a tune up dive, and it is not unusual to have a friendly seal keep you company through your entire dive. There is a very large anchor in the middle of this cove at about the 25 foot depth. (Remember, do not take abalone on Scuba)

It is also possible to dive the large rock (island) directly to the South as a beach dive. Both the South side of this island and the ocean side of this island are very good dives. Both have kelp, rock jumbles, many holes and small caverns. I usually wimp out when I dive the ocean side of this island and dive from my kayak, as it is a long swim back for the beach divers.

Entry pic at Van Damme on left. Exit pic on right with ab dinner on Kayak.

There are numerous boat/kayak dives to the South and the North, with many hidden coves sheltered by large offshore rocks. I have had found some very beautiful reefs and canyons simply by anchoring my kayak on the edge of a kelp bed and just going for it. The whole area is like an underwater park and the explorer can be rewarded with some very memorable dives.

I have easily done at least 50 dives in this area, and I always try to hit a different dive spot each time. Use common sense and good judgement, as the ocean can kick up very quickly in this area.

If you need to get any Scuba equipment or get your tanks filled, "Sub-Surface Progression" is about 10 miles up the road just South of Fort Bragg. They also rent kayaks at a reasonable cost if you want to try some kayak diving. The owners names are Blake and Sparrow, they and their staff are very diver friendly. The phone number is 1-707-964-3793.

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!

Reservations can be made to any State Park by calling 1(800)444-7275. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, contact me