By John Heimann
Whether it be for a night out on the town, a day on the sand to soak up that California sunshine, window shopping or people watching, the area offers a little bit of everything for everybody. But there’s a secret hotspot beneath those scenic waves, no Fendi bag or D&G sunglasses required. We’ll trade designer duds for a BCD and wetsuit any day.
Sites like Shaw’s Cove, with its famed arch, and Montage, home to an abundance of Spanish shawl nudibranchs and octopus, offer endless macro photo ops. Crescent Bay, not to be out done, is where you’ll find Seal Rock. If you can swim the 120 yards from the beach, you’re guaranteed an encounter with the ever-playful sea lions. No need to approach them; they’ll come to you. All are great places to strap on your fins along the stretch of Laguna coastline,which helps explain why there are so many divers around on any given morning, kicking up silt and taking all of the decent parking spots.
If you’re looking for a quieter, but no less lovely, dive spot, drive a mile or two further south to Diamond Street. Here you’ll find the lesser-known gem of Laguna Beach diving: Wood’s Cove. The beach entry at Wood’s seems to be quite a bit easier than at some of the other coves in the area. There are rocks and a sudden little drop off, though, so time your entry carefully between swells. Once past the break zone, you’re just a short 50- to 100-yard swim to the kelp beds. Take a minute to catch your breath before you descend and turn to take in the beautiful California coastline behind you, with its high cliffs and white sands, and you’ll know instantly why so many people choose to live here.
If you’re anything like this diver, what you need after a good dive is something delicious to eat and a beer to wash it down with. Local favorite Adolfo’s Mexican Food is the place. It’s just a few blocks north of Wood’s on the east side of Coast Hwy. The service is great; the food is tasty; and the beer is ice cold.
