Whale's
Head 
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced Dangers:
Strenuous activity: a good walk from the parking area to the beach,
surf entry, and a swim to the prime diving area. Be alert for
breakers and shore rocks during entry. Divers should always dive
within their limits.
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 Dive
Profile: This
cozy little beach sits just off Hwy 101 on the southern Oregon coast.
Almost hidden from view, only a small opening in the rugged coastline
gives drivers a glimpse of this little hideaway. A small brown sign
with the name Whale's Head stands next to the highway and marks
to the road leading down to the beach. A campground is directly
to the east. Camping, diving, beachcombing, even a good picnic--this
place has it all. The dive begins in the parking lot just above
the beach. It's a nice paved area with restrooms and picnic tables.
There is plenty of room to prep your gear. The walk down to the
water is respectable, but we have definitely packed ourselves further
at other, and much less rewarding, sites. The most popular diving
is off the north side of the cove. After making it through
the surf line you can expect to swim out 60-70 yards before making it
to good diving. Once there, and if the vis is good, be ready for
some great diving. Huge boulders, kelp, lingcod, sea bass, urchins...this
place is full of life and adventure. There is also abalone in these
parts. Kelp beds adorn the cliffs on the north side and the islands
just offshore. In the shallows of these liquid forests you can find
small patches (groupings) of the critters. You may not see any while
on scuba, but for divers who can take advantage of covering a large area
in the shallows, such as kayakers or free divers with float tubes, abalone
can be found. So if you come to hunt, collect, photograph, or sightsee,
Whale's Head has it all.Directions: Whale's Head is just north of Lone Ranch and is within 15 minutes north of Brookings, along Hwy 101. Look for the road signs pointing the way down to the beach. |
Dive
Type: Shore/Kayak