San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park
Encyclopedia
The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6000 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 (21.3 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.
Beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden and 500 feet (152.4 m)-deep plunge into the La Jolla Canyon. The canyon reaches depths of 600 feet (182.9 m) within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life help to explain why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.
A 30 feet (9.1 m) by 75 feet (22.9 m) lithocrete map of the underwater park was completed in September 2008 at La Jolla Shores
beach. It is located near the boardwalk between the restrooms and the children's play area at the south end of Kellogg Park.
to a point midway on the La Jolla Shores
beach. No fishing or scavenging is permitted within the reserve.
The Marine Life Refuge encompasses the Scripps Pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
and was established back in 1929 as an academic research area. Recreation and fishing are permitted in the refuge.
32.8525°N 117.2674°W
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 (21.3 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
Black's Beach
Black's Beach is a secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines on the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, San Diego, California, United States. It is officially part of Torrey Pines State Beach...
.
From La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is a beach and popular vacation/residential community of the same name in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The quaint La Jolla Shores business district is a relaxed, mixed-use village encircling Laureate Park,on Avenida de la Playa in the village of La Jolla Shores.The beach is...
, 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.
Beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden and 500 feet (152.4 m)-deep plunge into the La Jolla Canyon. The canyon reaches depths of 600 feet (182.9 m) within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life help to explain why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.
A 30 feet (9.1 m) by 75 feet (22.9 m) lithocrete map of the underwater park was completed in September 2008 at La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is a beach and popular vacation/residential community of the same name in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The quaint La Jolla Shores business district is a relaxed, mixed-use village encircling Laureate Park,on Avenida de la Playa in the village of La Jolla Shores.The beach is...
beach. It is located near the boardwalk between the restrooms and the children's play area at the south end of Kellogg Park.
Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge
The Ecological Reserve was established in 1971 and has since been expanded to a total of 533 acres (2.2 km²). It covers all of La Jolla CoveLa Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a cove and a beach in La Jolla, San Diego, California. It is a very small beach within walking distance from the Children's Pool Beach and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California...
to a point midway on the La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is a beach and popular vacation/residential community of the same name in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The quaint La Jolla Shores business district is a relaxed, mixed-use village encircling Laureate Park,on Avenida de la Playa in the village of La Jolla Shores.The beach is...
beach. No fishing or scavenging is permitted within the reserve.
The Marine Life Refuge encompasses the Scripps Pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and earth science research, graduate training, and public service in the world...
and was established back in 1929 as an academic research area. Recreation and fishing are permitted in the refuge.
External links
- La Jolla Cove – City of San Diego web site
- Mapping Project
- La Jolla Underwater Park Map - The Map website
- La Jolla Underwater Park Simulator - Virtual Dive Site of the La Jolla Underwater Park based on the eDiving simulator
32.8525°N 117.2674°W