Horseshoe Cove is the Northern most easy access dive site in Sonoma County. The entrance to this dive site is at Sonoma County milepost 44.23. The entrance is through a small wooden gate on the west of Highway 1. There is parking on the side of the road with room for about 3 or 4 vehicles. It is a small hike across a grassy field and then you scramble down a well defined path from the cliff to the beach. Once you hit the beach just turn left and go to the gravel beach to suit up for your dive. There are no facilities at this State owned property. Abalone divers can make the beach in one trip, but if you are planning on Scuba diving it may take two trips to transport gear to the beach!!!

Horseshoe Cove is a protected cove and offers very nice Scuba diving off of the south point. The depth here runs from 30 feet to about 50 feet further out. The area has many rockfish, lingcod, and abalone. During the spring and summer there is a very nice kelp forest adjacent to the South point.

The easiest way to find Horseshoe Cove is to drive to Jenner on Hwy. 1, and go North for approximately 22 miles. The cove is not marked on the highway, but it is about 2 miles north of Stump Beach, which is marked.

To check on local ocean conditions phone Salt Point Ocean Conditions at 1-707-847-3221(2). The rangers at Salt Point State Park update this recording every morning. This recording tells of the ocean conditions and the visibility in Gerstle Cove at Salt Point State Park.

If you decide to go North out of Horseshoe Cove, you will be in the Richardson South Area, which has no access as the Richardson Ranch no longer allows "trespass for a fee" across their land to the ocean.

This entire area has nice diving with a scenic bottom ranging from kelp beds to rocky terrain. The only drawback to this area is that it is quite a walk with gear - two trips may be necessary to get the dive gear to the beach.

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