Stillwater Cove is a protected cove which is flanked by Stillwater Cove Ranch (private) to the North and Stillwater Cove Park to the South. The cove is slightly North of Sonoma milepost 37.01. There is an unloading area at the Cove access path. The diving to the North and South of the cove are fairly equal and both have rocky bottoms with kelp beds, rockfish, and abalone. Diving within the cove is marginal, as the cove is shallow and very rocky. The best beach dive is about 50 yards off of the South point of the cove. Waves seldom break in the cove so this is an easy spot to launch an inflatable or a kayak. There doesn't seem to be a day use fee for the cove, and if there is I have never seen it collected.

If you decide not to camp, Stillwater Cove Ranch has a number of cottages (even an old converted dairy barn for groups) which are comfortable and available for rent. To make reservations at the ranch, call Linda Rudy at 1-707-847-3227.

If you choose to camp Stillwater Cove County Park (Sonoma county) is a very nice campground. It usually has a camp host present to collect camping fees. All campsites have camp lockers and firepits. There are restrooms and hot showers. This campground does accept reservations. To check for availability and make a reservation call 1-707-565-2267.

Like all areas in Southern Sonoma County, this area gets hit pretty hard by divers for rockfish and abalone limits. It is a healthy area and there is still an abundance of sea life in the area, but I have noticed a noticeable decline in fish stocks over the past decade or so. Commercial gill-netters and commercial long-liners have taken their toll, and because of the close proximity of the South Sonoma coast to Bodega Bay, abalone reserves have been harvested and sold illegally by commercial divers. If you dive this area, please join the majority of divers in the area and report any illegal fishing or abalone diving activity to the California Dept. of Fish and Game "poaching hotline" at 1-800-952-5400, or call the Sonoma office at 1-707-944-5500.

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