Fort Ross is a historical park located at Sonoma milepost 33.00. To enter the park turn West and stop at the kiosk to pay the day use fee (there are no campsites at Fort Ross). To get to the ocean access site drive through the parking lot to the gate at the West end and follow the road down to the cove. You cannot leave your vehicle at the bottom of the road, but it is allowed to unload your dive gear, etc. To check on Fort Ross dive conditions call 1-707-847-3286. There is a small campground which is part of Fort Ross a few miles to the South. To make reservations at this campsite by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Fort Ross cove usually has limited visibility. The sandy beach is a great spot for a beach dive, and it is only a short swim out to the kelp beds and clearer water. Once you get out of the cove the visibility usually cleans up quite a bit. The entire area has average rockfish and abalone populations with depths ranging from 15 feet to over 60 feet further out. The bottom goes from rocky to sandy, and the kelp is very heavy in the summer. There are no facilities on the beach other than pit toilets.

If you bring an inflatable or a kayak, the diving to both the North and South is quite good. Fort Ross Cove is a small cove within a larger area protected by prominent points to the North and South. The North point is about a mile from the beach, and the South point is about ¾ mile from the beach. Both areas are generally protected from ocean swells and usually are suitable for diving.

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