North Coast Fort Ross Scuba Dive

A motley crew assembled on Saturday morning at Fort Ross. Three hours later, we stepped into the water. Visibility was *excellent* - at least 15ft, and there was no surge to speak of, making things fun and mellow. Even the waves on short were ankle-biters. Divers were Tom and Kyle (who finished early and headed back at 29 minutes) and Andrew, Steve and Kenn (who stayed out another 19 minutes to drain tanks in preparation for viz/hydro work. The reef was lined with kelp and sprinkled with abalone, and the only impediment to viz were thousands of planktonic shrimp floating about.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• fort
• ross
• north
• coast
• scuba
• dive
• diving
• doubles
• reef
• kelp
• abalone
• cove

[jpmiller567]

what did you use for a camera. yes, i have scuba dived several times---but below 30 feet--really "greys out---lack of sun and the murk. speaking about visibility conditions, once in 24 years of diving on the mendo coast--ocean was flat as glass--had 20-25 foot visibility---wish i had a camera that day!!!! thanks, jpmiller, md

[d5kenn]

Hi Jpmiller,

My camera is a small P&S (Sony T30) with video mode. This was my only north coast dive, and the conditions were ideal - sunny, calm, flat seas, and fantastic vis. My friends who dive there often say that day was one of the best of the year.

But when there are a lot of particulates in the water, it does get dark and cloudy really fast. I've had a couple of no-viz dives too; you almost have to dive with your hand in front of your face so you don't swim straight into a wall!

[18Tiki18]

nice video!!! my family and i go up there.. to the camping spot of Ocean Cove!! its a litle past Fort Ross but thats awesome! we abalone dive all the time up there. well. not all the time. during the seasons. but anyway! isnt it beautiful down there underwater?! i love it!

[d5kenn]

Thanks! This was my first dive there, and friends who are regulars tell me that it was as good of a day as they've seen all summer. Absolutely gorgeous, and the abs down beyond typical freediving depth get pretty crazy-big. I definitely need to head up again and check out Ocean Cove!

[d5kenn]

Thanks! I've intentionally been keeping them under 3-4 minutes cause I thought they tend to get boring after that. But if the viz is good and the scenery is interesting, I'll make 'em a bit longer next time! Thx for the comment!

[carroll307]

Fort Ross man i miss being home, I grew up diving that coast line from Bodega bay to Shelter Cove. Moved to wyoming couple of years ago, coming home this year to do some divin!! I cant wait, two more months and its on got my tides picked out and everything!!! dive on good buddy, love the video

[Flash8475]

Wow, cant have a tank on ya when you dive, thats a BIG nono

[jpmiller567]

thanks for the info on the camera. yes, i can relate to the turbidity of the waters of No. C. have dived there since 1976--average vis was three feet; but that is part of the challenge!!! keep diving!!! jpmiller

[ogarciais]

yeah dude ocean cove is the shit its so fun camping there we have videos of being up there. its awesome!

[JOGAFUTEBOL]

kool video...you guys just dive for fun?No freediving for abalone?