Red Coral Reef

Red Coral Reef is an offshore dive site inside the Point Buchon State Marine Reserve, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of Point Buchon Pinnacles. The site takes its name from the dense colonies of cold-water California hydrocoral, commonly called red coral, that cover the rock here. Two large rocks sit next to each other, each rising roughly 50 feet from the surrounding floor, with a deep crevasse between them. Depths run from about 50 feet at the rock tops to 100 feet on the floor. Access is boat-only, roughly 8 miles south of Morro Bay Harbor.

The two rocks and the crevasse between them give the site significant vertical relief, and the hard rock surfaces under the hydrocoral colonies are the rocky reef biome. The open water around and above the structure, where larger fish and seasonal pelagic species transit, is a pelagic biome.

Scuba is the only activity. Currents are strong and the site is best dived on slack tide, while the offshore exposure puts it out of reach on any moderate swell. The depth and conditions place it outside the range of novice divers.

The Point Buchon State Marine Reserve covers the entire site, and take has been prohibited inside the reserve since its establishment. Hook-and-line fishing and spearfishing are illegal at Red Coral Reef.