CASA COVE / THE CHILDREN'S POOL

La Jolla, San Diego CA

 Location:  Casa Cove also known as the Children's Pool

Skill Level:  All Levels however advanced training in navigation is recommended.  (However watch for surf and as always dive in conditions better than or similar to those conditions you are trained in.)

  Attraction:  Underwater Photography, DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), Night Diving, Kayak Diving,  Fish ID, great for practicing your navigation!           

Permits/Licenses: . 

 Map: This map is not an attempt to make an exact replication of the dive spot.  Instead this map is intended to give some perspective on over all features of the dive spot.  The best way to get to know a dive spot is to explore it yourself.  Before you make your dive please check out the Diving Information on this dive destination below.         

 Entry/Exit: 

The best entry point is found in South Casa Cove.  When standing on the beach facing the ocean, walk to your left towards the cliff.  From here walk straight out.  When conditions are good you will be able to see sand all the way out to deeper water making this entry by far the best.  Be aware the rip currents do pick up in the sand channel which make the entry more fun but can make the exit at this location very difficult if you are ending the dive with a long surface kick. 

 Visibility:  Visibility varies with the seasons.  Typically the best visibility occurs during the summer time when surf is small and surface currents are subdued.  During summer the sandy bottom is not as susceptible to the churning action of the waves and visibility can vary from 10-20 feet during slack tide.  During winter time visibility may range from 0-15 feet at best although conditions are usually between 3-10 feet.

 Bottom Composition:  The bottom composition is largely rock in casa cove and the children's pool where most divers make their entrance.  Surrounding reefs outside of Casa Cove and South Casa Cove are rock with lots of interspersed sand. 

 Dangers:  Diving in the area in the map denoted as "Casa Cove" is restricted due to the high amounts of fecal coli forms present in these waters.  Diving in this part of the cove is NOT recommended.  Entry and exit to the beach are relatively easy unless surf is high, keep in mind rip currents may be present at the sandy bottom entry point.  Sea cliffs are also prone to collapse in this area so be sure to walk only on designated paths.

 Wildlife Abundance:  Once we have logged at least 25 dives at a particular location, a tab is taken from each dive and the relative abundance of each species is noted.  From this raw data I have come up with a numbering system which will give you some insight on the relative abundance and your chances of seeing each species at any particular time.

5- Garuanteed to see this species at this dive sight

4- Very likely to see this species at this dive sight. 

3- Abundance may vary or may be specific to a particular location within a dive spot; you have a 50/50 chance of seeing this species on your dive at specific locations

2- Species may be seasonal or hard to find at this dive spot.  Sightings have occurred but are few and far between

1- May have seen this species or have heard from feed back this species can be found here seasonally

 Fish:  4- Calico Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), 4 - Sand Bass, 3- Tree Fish (Sebastes serriceps), 2- Cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), 2- California Scorpion Fish (Scorpaena guttata),  4- Giant Kelpfish (Heterostichus rostratus), 3- Blackeye Goby (Coryphopterus nicholsi), 3- California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus), 3- California Sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher), 3- Senorita (Oxyjulis californica) (All), 3- Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus), 3- White Seaperch (Phanerodon furcatus) (Md), 3- Opaleye (Girella nigricans)(All), 3- Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) (Lft,Rt), 2- Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)  3- Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci), 3- Shovelnose Guitarfish (Rhinobatos productus), 3- Thornback (Platyrhinoidis triseriata), Arthropods:  2- Sheep Crab (Loxorhynchus grandis), 2- Decorator Crab, 3- California Spiny Lobster (Panulirus interruptus)

  Facilities:     

 Diving Information:

The diving at Casa Cove

 Important Numbers:

• Lifeguard:                       (760) 633-2750                                   

• Non-Emergency:             (858) 756-3006

• Surf Report:                    (760) 633-2880                                    

• In case of an emergency dial: 911

If you have any additional information or tips on diving deer creek please post your information or e-mail it to myself at matt@calcoastdivers.com.  Thank you for your input and support!