Salt Point State Park

Gerstle Cove at Salt Point State Park is a highly popular camping/diving destination on the Sonoma Coast. The entrance to the park is Sonoma milepost 39.96. We would highly recommend advance reservations for campsites at this park due to its' popularity. To make reservations call 1-800-444-7275. The park has very roomy campsites, all with firepits and camp lockers. There are no hot showers but there is a divers shower at the top of Gerstle Cove.

For Salt Point Weather and Dive conditions call the recorded "conditions" message at (707) 847-3222.

The entire area is great for diving and supports both beach and boat/kayak diving. Exercise caution diving out of the cove as the waves can be quite large. The jewel of the Sonoma Coast is Gerstle Cove, which is a protected cove within Salt Point State Park. No game can be taken within the cove, but the cove offers a look at just about any type of sea creature to be found in the area. It is abundant with abalone (they actually grow on top of each other in some spots). You must assume that the ling cod know they are in a reserve, as they swim up to my mask and on some occasions (it could have been my imagination) actually stick out their tongues at me.

Gerstle Cove is a great spot for the novice and the expert diver. It gives a good insight to the sea life in the area. It is also a great spot for a tune up dive. The areas to the south offer better Scuba diving than to the north. Gerstle Cove is accessed by a road from the top parking lot down to a stairway. If you have an inflatable and a rope, you can use their "double log boat slip" to get the boat to the beach. We have seen divers use this slide and actually let go of the rope (refer to boat launching lesson plan number 1 titled DO NOT LET GO OF THE ROPE).

The visibility in this area is normally in the area of 15 to 20 feet. Like all spots on the North coast, it can vary from 2 feet of vis to 60 feet of vis. Limited visibility can be a blessing, as it forces you to do a micro dive, and explore small sections of ocean bottom. This type of dive can be rewarding and is a good introduction to the smaller inhabitants of our oceans.

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!

This Dive Site is sponsored by:

MITCHELL SCUBA