Top 5 Snorkeling Spots in Malibu
Though I am not the most experienced snorkeler, I have researched and scouted some of Malibu’s best snorkeling spots to make some informed suggestions. I have not snorkeled at Leo Carrillo or the Point Dume Pinnacles, but I have compiled all of the information that I could get for you here in this blog. Also, if you are a scuba diver, then you may want to consider one of these locations as your next beach dive.
If you desire to know more about these locations, then the best way to learn is to ask the people that you encounter: lifeguards, surfers, fishermen, paddleboarders, kayakers, and/or staff members. They will be able to guide you and give you helpful tips as you seek to sate your adventurous spirit. Lastly, there are two general tips I have for you that will improve your experience and keep you safe:
Make sure you perform an environmental assessment of the area before you arrive at the location and before you get in the water.
Consider asking about one or more of the following: (1) ocean currents/wave patterns, (2) types of fish to look out for, (3) dangerous animals, (4) unstable/dangerous areas, (5) good points of entry, or (6) type of gear to use. This list is not exhaustive.
I hope this list benefits you in your adventures and remember to be safe!
Paradise Cove
Address
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
Travel Time
10 to 15 minutes from Calamigos Ranch
Parking
Free – roadside along PCH (Recommended)
Paid – beach parking lot at the end of Paradise Cove Rd
Skill Level
Beginner
Detailed Directions
To get to this beach, navigate to the address listed above. You can park on Pacific Coast Highway and just walk down Paradise Cove Rd to the beach -OR- you can drive down Paradise Cove Rd and pay for parking down by the beach. I usually just park on PCH and walk down because it’s free. There will be a huge sign above the road that takes you down to the beach that says, “Paradise Cove” (see picture).
Description
Paradise Cove features a small pier, a marine protected area, and water that is typically as calm and flat as a pool. There are very small waves that break close to the sand during the morning and early afternoon when the tide is high – but this is a good thing. During high tide, which is around 7am to 1pm in the winter and early spring, the rocks become submerged. This makes entry into the water much easier – just make sure that you time your entry so that you don’t get a mouthful of salt water. This can be done by simply watching the wave patterns and going out when the waves have calmed. On another note, many locals visit this location for spearfishing. I myself have caught a few fish here, but make sure you have all the necessary licenses if you fish. Additionally, the lower the tide gets, the less visible the water becomes – particularly in the spots that are worth seeing which lie close to the shore. Lastly, you can go out about 100 to 150 yards out from the shoreline well past the pier, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim southwards towards Little Dume Beach and explore that whole area as well.
Helpful Links
California Beaches - https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/point-dume-state-beach/#:~:text=Big%20Dume%20Beach%20a.k.a.%20Dume,down%20a%20long%20steep%20staircase.
Big Dume Beach (aka Dume Cove)
Address
29245 Cliffside Dr
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
Travel Time
10 to 15 minutes from Calamigos Ranch
Parking
Free – parking lot with 8 spaces along Cliffside Dr
Skill Level
Intermediate
Detailed Directions
If you navigate to the address above, then you will arrive in front of a building that looks like someone’s house. The parking lot is directly across from this building and it only has 8 spots. So, finding a spot will be very difficult especially if you go on the weekend or anytime outside of normal work hours. If you manage to get a spot, then make your way to the trail head that has a sign reading “Point Dume Natural Preserve.” Follow the trail and turn right so that you start walking towards the large hill and the point of Point Dume. Keep on this trail until you reach an information sign that reads “Welcome to the Point Dume Natural Preserve” and has “Tidepools” in bold text. At this sign, turn left and follow the trail until you reach the staircase (see picture). These stairs will take you down to Big Dume Beach. If you get lost, then ask someone near you. There are normally surfers around this area that will surf on the southwestern side of the cove, which means that you should snorkel on the northeastern side so that you don’t get hit by a surfboard.
Description
Big Dume Beach features steep crags that stretch down to the sandy beach. From the top of the cliff you can see the ocean stretched out before you and if you walk a little further you can make it to the whale watching location on Point Dume where you can probably witness one of the world’s longest migrations: pods of grey whales migrating between the Bering Sea and Baja, Mexico. In the water, you can see kelp forests and a beautiful array of fish. And if you don’t mind walking or swimming a little further, you can also get to Little Dume Beach, which lies northeast from Big Dume Beach.
Malibu Rd (Beach Access & Puerco Beach)
Address
Beach Access
24604 Malibu Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
-
Puerco Beach
25124 Malibu Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
Travel Time
20 to 25 minutes from Calamigos Ranch
Parking
Free – roadside parking along Malibu Rd
Skill Level
Intermediate
Detailed Directions
There are two beach access locations along Malibu Rd. One of them is at the first address that I have listed and the second is at Puerco Beach, which is just a little further down Malibu Rd. Either of these locations are okay to visit. I would just go to the one that has parking. It’s also worth noting that the areas of beach directly in front of the houses are private property EXCEPT where the mean high tide line reaches (i.e., where the sand is smooth from the water washing over it). Generally, the smooth sand is public land while the dry areas in front of the houses are private.
Warning
These areas can be dangerous during high surf or low tide and there can be a strong riptide in the sandy areas which make exiting the water very difficult. If you enter either one of these locations, then make sure that you go when the tide is high, and the surf is small or flat. The waves here can be a little awkward and unsuspecting. I’ve gone here with a friend before who was completely new to snorkeling and we had a hard time entering the water due to the high surf and low tide. Do not enter the water at high surf and low tide. Even if you enter successfully without drinking a gallon of seawater the water visibility will be very low.
Description
These beach locations are a favorite among Pepperdine students due to their proximity to the campus. These locations contain large sand flats, small tufts of kelp, and a few mini pinnacles out in front of the houses. When conditions are favorable, this area boasts a beautiful array of marine life which includes but is not limited to garibaldi, senoritas, horn sharks, lobster, rockfish, and perch.
Helpful Links
Eco Dive Center (for “Beach Access” address) - https://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/malibu-road-malibu-california
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Address
35000 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
Travel Time
20 to 25 minutes from Calamigos Ranch
Parking
unknown – beach parking lot at the end of Beach Access Rd
Free – roadside parking along PCH
Skill Level
Intermediate
Description
This spot lies off of PCH a few miles to the northwest of Malibu's heart. It is not only known for its snorkeling and scuba diving spots but also for its beach caves and hiking trails. So, this location would make a fun afternoon trip! The last time that I visited this location, I parked on PCH and walked down to the snorkel entry spot, which is between towers 2 and 3. I went on a day when there was a storm over part of the mountains and part of the ocean. The waves were crashing against the rocky shore and there was a large rainbow arching across the sky with one end in the mountains and the other in the ocean (see figure 4). I have not visited this location to snorkel before but the link below can give you information about what lies under the water’s surface.
Detailed Directions
To get to this spot from Calamigos ranch head south on Kanan Dume Rd and turn left onto PCH. Next, drive about 10 minutes to Leo Carrillo State Beach and enter the beach area between Lifeguard station #2 and #3 (navigate to the address). After you find parking, head towards the snorkeling spot, which will be “down the stairs in the cove just left of Sequit Point and Lifeguard Tower #3. Swim out for just a minute, the reef starts on your right” (Eco Dive Center, see Helpful Links down below).
Helpful Links:
Eco Dive Center - https://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/dive-site-leo-carrillo-malibu-la-county-california
The Pinnacles
Address
7103 Westward Beach Rd.
Malibu, CA 90265
United States
Travel Time
15 to 20 minutes from Calamigos Ranch
Parking
Free – roadside along Westward Beach Rd
Paid – beach parking lot at the end of Westward Beach Rd (Recommended)
Skill Level
Advanced
Detailed Directions
The first address will take you to the parking lot for Point Dume. You will have to pay for this parking unless you choose to park along Westward Beach Rd. If you choose to park on Westward Beach Rd, then you will have to walk for about 5-10 minutes to Point Dume in order to reach the Pinnacles. The parking spots on Westward Beach Rd are free but they are normally all taken. So, I recommend just paying for parking and saving yourself the walk and having to find a parking spot. Once you have parked, survey the weather conditions to make sure the tide is not receding, and the waves are not too strong. You can enter the water right next to the point where rock climbers climb.
Warning
There are two sets of pinnacles: a close one and a far one. If you enter the water during high tide, then the far one will be completely submerged under water. So, you will only be able to see some of the pinnacles from the close set from above water. The far set will be underwater. RULE OF THUMB: If you reach the pinnacles in less than a 10-minute swim, then the current is very strong, and you could be a risk of being carried away. So, pay close attention to your location and proximity to the shore – do not stray too far! See “Helpful Links” down below for more tips!
Description
This location is famous among divers and snorkelers and is believed to be the most beautiful snorkeling spot in Malibu, but it can be very dangerous due to the rugged terrain and the wicked strong current the lies further around the outermost pinnacles, which are sharp underwater crags that jut up from the ocean floor. This location usually has amazing visibility (around 20-40 ft) and is also unique due to its proximity to the open ocean. The Pinnacles lie in front of the famous Point Dume and are filled with kelp forests, rock beds, mini canyons, lobster, sea lions, dolphins, whales, rays, and a plethora of small fish. But make sure you are a strong swimmer and have a decent amount of experience under your belt before visiting here!
Helpful Links
Eco Dive Center - https://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/dive-site-point-dume-pinnacles-malibu-la-county-california
By: Braden Ritchey