crab dock

Dive Profile: The Crab Dock is one of the best shore dives in Newport. Divers can park within easy walking distance of the dock and travel a concrete path to where the dock begins. The only difficult part of this dive is the short scramble down a few boulders to reach the beach. Like most bay dives any attempt to dive should be made when the tide is at slack high or slack low. Divers can gear up on the beach and wade out to the dock pilings before beginning their dive. The pilings at the end of the dock hit bottom at about 50 feet and provide excellent shelter for crab, perch, and lingcod. The bottom also has a rich collection of clam shells and debris dropped from those crabbing high above. Divers have found common species of wristwatch, wallet, pop bottle, and eating utensil. In one instance a rare Leatherman tool was plucked from the sand in prime condition.

Directions: If you're headed South on Hwy 101, cross the bay bridge and take the first street to the right. Follow the street (South Beach) as it passes below the bridge and curves around the marina. After passing beneath the bridge take the first left into the Marina. The Crab Dock is at the West end of the parking lot. If you're coming North on Hwy 101 turn right on SE Pacific Way (just before the bridge). Follow the road for a short distance until you reach the marina, turn right, and then take the first left into the Marina. For more detailed directions check out Yahoo! Maps.