All of the San Mateo County coast is subject to the outflow from the Golden Gate to the North in San Francisco. The rivers to the North of San Francisco are constantly dumping silt and sediment into San Francisco Bay. This sediment combined with the pollution present in S.F. Bay are all subject to the incoming and outgoing tides. If you were to take a helicopter and fly over the Golden Gate and stay offshore heading South, you will easily see the apparent pollution present in the prevailing current which runs in a Southerly direction out of S.F. Bay.

In spite of all of this "outflow", there are usually about 20 or 30 clear days of diving per year in San Mateo County. Let me clarify "clear days". Most local divers consider any day with 5 feet or more of visibility to be a "clear day". Included in these "clear days" are about 5 to 10 "stellar days" of diving. Let me clarify "stellar days". A "stellar day" is any day with visibility exceeding 15 feet. I have done many dives on the San Mateo Coast, and all have been shallow (20 to 40 foot depth).

The first large beach South of San Francisco suitable for diving is Lindemar Beach. I also have it heard called Pacifica Beach, Sharp Park, and Pedro Point. It is a popular surfing spot and has an abundance of surfers enjoying the wave action. If you decide to dive at this beach use caution - getting beaned with a surfboard is definitely not a pleasant experience. As you drive South on Highway 1, the ocean visibility seems to improve. At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve it is not unusual to enjoy 10 feet of visibility on a normal basis. The South end of the beach at Fitzgerald is used as a haulout by seals and may be posted "no entrance". There is usually a San Mateo Parks ranger stationed at the kiosk off the parking lot.

For the adventurous diver, the San Mateo Coast offers challenges and rewards to those with the patience to "stick it out" and patiently wait for that perfect day. A good rule of thumb is simply to climb up on a cliff or bluff and take a look at the offshore rocks prevalent on the San Mateo Coast. if you can clearly see the part of the rock that is submerged, chances are you will have a decent dive.

If you are a spear fisherman, there is an abundance of sea life on the San Mateo coast: Ling Cod, Cabezon, Perch, Halibut, Many types of Rockfish, etc. San Mateo County is located in the North-Central Management Area, which runs from Cape Mendocino in Mendocino County to Pigeon Point in San Mateo County. Department of Fish and Game regulations apply. I recommend reading the D.F. & G. current ocean sport fishing regulations to avoid any problems.

Sadly, abalone diving is still not allowed South of the Golden Gate. Being the eternal optimist I eagerly await the opening of abalone diving along the San Mateo coast for Sport Divers. It seems such a shame to drive up to Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties to dive for abalone when they are very abundant right here in San Mateo County.

Be advised that San Mateo County is the Southern end of the "Red Triangle". Ano Nuevo Island (Elephant Seal Rookery) lies at the Southern end of San Mateo County. The Elephant Seal rookery is active from December through March - During this time Great White sightings are not uncommon. Due to the numerous rock islands present in San Mateo County, there are "haul outs" for seals and sea lions that are too numerous to mention. I have also heard of numerous shark sightings during summer months from very reputable sources. They are a beautiful animal in their natural environment, and unlike the "hype" from Hollywood, they usually will leave divers alone.