How deep is Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef)?

Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) has a depth range of 4.6–19.8 metres (15–65 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.

Can beginners dive Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef)?

Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Open Water (Advanced recommended for Deadman's Reef) certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef)?

The best time to dive Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) is typically Calm summer and fall mornings with small south swell. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef)?

Divers at Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) in United States commonly report sightings of Garibaldi, California sheephead, Kelp bass (calico bass), Blacksmith, and Opaleye. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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IntermediateShore entry

Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef)

California, United States

Open Water suggested5–20 m depthShore entry3mm wetsuit typical

Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) at a glance

Crescent Bay (Deadman's Reef) is a intermediate shore dive site in California, United States with depths of 4.6–19.8 m (15–65 ft). Typically most favorable Jun–Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Garibaldi, California sheephead, and Kelp bass (calico bass). Recent reports put the water around 23°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 5h ago

0.9 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 23°C · seasonal avg 21°C

Site hazards: Surf and surge on the reef edges, long surface swim to Deadman's Reef, boat traffic offshore, rip currents near the points

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–20:00

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:32 · Sunrise 5:59 · Sunset 19:55

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 1.1 km from site · graded 5h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Garibaldi, California sheephead, Kelp bass (calico bass)

Best time: Calm summer and fall mornings with small south swell

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan68%15°C1.3 m
Feb67%15°C1.3 m
Mar71%14°C1.3 m
Apr91%15°C1.1 m
May97%17°C1.0 m
Jun100%19°C0.9 m
Jul100%21°C0.9 m
Aug98%22°C0.9 m
Sep99%21°C0.9 m
Oct91%20°C1.0 m
Nov93%18°C1.0 m
Dec86%17°C1.1 m

June and July havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life recorded at this site, by month

Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

GaribaldiCommonly seen
California sheepheadCommonly seen
Kelp bass (calico bass)Commonly seen
BlacksmithCommonly seen
OpaleyeCommonly seen
Barred sand bassOccasionally seen
California spiny lobsterCommonly seen
Harbor sealOccasionally seen

Hypsypops rubicundus recorded here Feb–May, Dec (6 records)
most recent 2013
Chromis punctipinnis recorded here Feb–Mar, Dec (4 records)
most recent 2013
Oxyjulis californica recorded here Feb–Apr, Dec (4 records)
most recent 2013
Zalophus californianus recorded here Feb–Apr (4 records)
most recent 2013
Phoca vitulina recorded here Feb, Oct (3 records)
most recent 2015
Gymnothorax mordax recorded here Apr, Jul (2 records)
most recent 2013
Halichondria panicea recorded here Jul (2 records)
most recent 2013
Oxylebius pictus recorded here Feb–Mar (2 records)
most recent 2013

Counts are occurrence records near this site from public biodiversity datasets (GBIF), grouped by calendar month across all sampled years. Sightings vary — past records are context, not a prediction.

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Beach Cities Scuba0.6 km
Report a fix
Beach Cities Scuba Center13.7 km
+1-949-443-3858 beachcitiescuba.com
Mo-Su 10:00-17:00 hours from OpenStreetMap — call ahead
Report a fix

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Site details

Scenic Laguna Beach cove with sandy entry and rocky reef structure on both sides, with most points of interest in 15-35 ft. Strong swimmers or kayak/boat divers can continue roughly 300-400 yards offshore to Deadman's Reef, a pinnacle complex rising to about 20 ft with 45-65 ft on its flanks. The site lies inside the no-take Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve.

pinnaclereefshore

Surf and surge on the reef edges, long surface swim to Deadman's Reef, boat traffic offshore, rip currents near the points

Reviews

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