Little Wall

Typical Conditions Visibility: 10-15 Water Temperature: 60 Surge: 5 Wave Height: 2-3 © 2001, SanDiegoDiving.com The beach at La Jolla Cove. Marine Life kelp bass, kelp fish, senorita, calico bass, blacksmith, Kellet's whelk, lobster

General Information
Dive Type: shore
Skill Level: open water
Rating:

Meeting Place
Scripps Park in the large grassy area near the public restrooms.

Scripps Park in the large grassy area near the public restrooms.

Entry and Exit
A stairway leads down to the Cove from Scripps Park. Divers typically set up camp in the large grassy area of the park, don their gear, do buddy checks, then proceed down the stairs and enter the water.

The dive plan begins with a surf entry from the North-facing Cove where conditions vary, so proper surf entry and exit training is advised, especially when swells come from the North. The slope of the beach is fairly steep and the surf zone is relatively narrow, so waves may be sizable and break quickly. Be sure to time your entry so that you swim out during the lull between wave sets. A well-timed quick swim should easily take you past the surf zone between sets.

Special Considerations
When swimming between the Cove and the kelp beds, be cautious if you should enter the surf zone. There are large and potentially hazardous reef formations and rocks near the shore.

It is advisable to ask the lifeguards for their assessment of the diving conditions before entering the water.

Emergency Plan
Should a diving related injury occur, follow proper emergency procedures as appropriate. If you are on the surface of the water, be sure to call for help. The Cove is generally crowded with people and lifeguards are on duty all year during daylight hours.

Ensure that a call to 911 is made as soon as possible. Be sure that the caller conveys to the 911 operator that an accident involving a scuba diver has occurred and follow the operators instructions. Be sure the caller specifies the location of the injured diver and does not hang up the phone until instructed to do so by the operator.

Nearest Hospital
UCSD Medical Center