La Jolla Shores is one of the more popular dive sites in San Diego. While on the surface it may appear like any other typical beach dive I can assure you that once you’re underwater, there’s nothing typical about it. Located just offshore is the La Jolla submarine canyon, one of the deepest places in the world. To find it, all you have to do is swim straight out from the bathrooms at Vallecitos street and at around 40ft. or so you’ll notice the bottom starts dropping out in a dramatic series of cliff-like ledges (think: stairs) that range in height from 5-20ft. You can follow these ledges north or south and go as deep into the abyss as your experience allows. It’s the southern California version of a wall dive.
As you make this journey, you’ll notice that the sandy bottom is packed with rays, skates, and gutarfish. Once you find the ledges, you’ll notice they are teeming with marine life as everything from octopus to lobster call the ledges “home.”

INSIDER TIP:  Watch for large groups of birds feeding on the surface of the water just offshore as this will usually indicate a “squid run.” If you’ve never seen a squid run you’re really missing out. The squid will coat the bottom in a carpet of eggs and will swarm harmlessly around you in the thousands. Even better, you’ll see lots of animals eating the squid like bat rays and sea lions.