The La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands, from Scripps Park in La Jolla, north of La Jolla Shores to the upper end of Torrey Pines State Reserve.

The park was mapped by the City of San Diego in 1970 and has two other parks within it’s area: the Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge. As a view only-do not touch refuge, the park is an ecological gift and has become a preferred destination for snorklers and scuba divers.

Within the underwater park are two artificial reefs, that attract and support marine life. The first was built in 1964 with Santa Catalina quarry rock dumped in 70 feet of water near Scripps Canyon. The second was started in 1975 and is located at 40 feet down just offshore from the Glider Port.

From La Jolla Shores, the ocean bottom slopes softly out to sea. The reef areas keep the waves minimal, making this an excellent entry point for divers and kayakers. Kelp beds on the outer edges of the slope are popular fishing spots and great for observing fish, seals, dolphins and birds.

Just beyond the slope the bottom takes a sudden 500-foot plunge into the La Jolla Canyon that has depths of 600 feet within the park. The abrupt drop and abundance of marine life  enlighten us to why migrating whales can often be spotted close to shore.

The Ecological Reserve

This 533-acre area was created in 1971. It covers all of La Jolla Cove to a point midway on the La Jolla Shores beach. Distinctive buoys mark the outer perimeter of the reserve.

Within the reserve, other buoys mark a boat-free swimming zone and a 5-mph zone. No fishing or collecting is permitted within the reserve.

Marine Life Refuge

This zone covers the Scripps Pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and was created in 1929 as an academic research area.

Recreation and fishing are permitted in this area.