Terranea Resort/ Old Marineland

The dive site at Terranea Resort and Old Marineland on the Palos Verdes Peninsula occupies one of Southern California's most historically resonant underwater locations — the site of the former Marineland of the Pacific marine park, which operated from 1954 to 1987 and in its day housed some of the Pacific Coast's most remarkable marine life. The park's tanks, holding pens, and infrastructure were demolished after closure, but the legacy of those decades of enriched marine habitat and protected water persists in the exceptional diversity of the underwater environment immediately offshore, where depths reach approximately 18 meters (about 60 feet) and the rocky reef supports a remarkably rich community of species. Today Terranea Resort occupies the headland where Marineland once stood, and the cove below the bluffs is a designated shore dive entry point that provides intermediate divers with access to some of the best reef diving on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The rocky bottom and reef structure support the classic Southern California subtidal community in exemplary form: California moray eels occupy virtually every suitable crevice in the rocks; sheephead patrol reef edges in their characteristically unhurried manner; garibaldi defend territories with their trademark orange-finned boldness. Giant sea bass — the recovering apex predator of Southern California — are occasionally sighted at this site, their immense size creating an awe-inspiring moment when they emerge from the kelp forest. Horn sharks rest under ledges during the day. Bat rays cruise over the sandy sections between reef formations. California spiny lobster shelter in reef crevices throughout the site. The combination of historically enriched habitat, excellent reef topography, and Palos Verdes Peninsula's characteristically clear water makes Terranea a premiere intermediate diving destination in the Los Angeles area.