The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres (24 km2) of ocean bottom and tidelands. The park has become a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. The park was created by the City of San Diego in 1970 and actually has two other parks within it: the Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.

Within the underwater park are two artificial reefs, created to attract and enhance marine life. The first was built in 1964 with Santa Catalina quarry rock dumped in 70 feet (21 m) of water near Scripps Canyon. The second was started in 1975 and is located at a depth of 40 feet (12 m) just offshore from Black's Beach.

From La Jolla Shores, the ocean bottom slopes gently out to sea. The reefs keep the waves minimal, making this an entry point for divers and kayakers. Kelp beds on the outer edges of the slope are popular fishing spots and great for observing seals, dolphins, birds and fish.

You can kayak the La Jolla sea caves and ecological reserve, which boasts an amazing array of scenery and wildlife you can't find anywhere else in San Diego

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Explore La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Underwater Park - San Diego Tours & Rentals
• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for La Jolla Shores - Avenida De La Playa and 8,000 other beaches.
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