Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, CA

Shaw’s Cove is an extremely popular dive and swimming spot located just north of central Laguna Beach. With nearby street parking and stairs down to a sandy beach (at lower tides), the cove is very accessible. Conditions during my snorkel/freedive session were not optimal with about 10 to 15 feet visibility and a cloudy sky. I kept to the west side of the cove and swam out to the rocky point. The outcroppings were mostly covered in varieties of undulating kelp kept in motion by a moderate surge. Moderate numbers of fish were evident including California Sheephead, Kelp Bass, and the ever present brilliant-orange Garibaldi.