Dive Location ~ Flat Rock, Palos Verdes

This is a documentary on the Harbor Seals of Flat Rock, Palos Verdes, California.

This is one of my favorite locations to dive. The scenery above and below the surface is gorgeous. The ocean sits below steep and towering cliffs. We have to hike down Bluff Cove Trail for about 200 yards to the rocky shore. There we cut across Northbound for another 200 yards to Flat Rock Point which is entry from the rocky shore reef. We’ll swim out past the constant waves and protruding rocks, through the numerous alga, sea grass and kelp. About 100 yards off shore, Flat Rock is a favorite hauling out spot for local Harbor Seals. It’s surrounded by shallow Kelp Beds on one side and Deep Kelp Forest on the other. This route and dive location would be for intermediate and moderate endurance skill levels with no fear of constant waves. I would recommend hiking to the location first before attempting a dive.

Harbor Seals were the first large sea life that I encountered up close when I started Snorkeling / Freediving. They are extremely peaceful, quiet, intelligent, curious and strategic. When I dive this area, I often hear them following me but don’t see them. They are smart and follow from behind, just out of sight. When they surface, they blow water out of their nose which sounds like a sneeze which I have come to easily recognize and alerts me to their location. It’s hard to swim with Harbor Seals as they are extremely cautious. They have to trust that I am not a threat and become curious in my presence to approach me. I like to talk to them from a distance which definitely gets their attention.

Once one approaches me and starts following me around, many others begin to do the same. That’s when I dive down with them into their world and swim with the Harbor Seals. it’s a beautiful experience, especially to be accepted by them. After swimming and spending some time with them, I become the more cautious one as they come right up to me shoulder to shoulder and start to touch me and my equipment with their whiskers. They are always peaceful and non threatening, but I try not to touch any ocean life as much as possible for both our protection. But my heart wants to reach out and give them a big hug !

This area has so much to see underwater so I also included beautiful and abundant Kelp Forest footage with California Spiny Lobsters, Horn Sharks and many of the local fish. It’s like being on another planet looking up at the sun from the bottom of the Kelp Forest. Join me in the video as I explain Harbor Seal traits and behaviors with up close and person footage. I wish I could breath underwater and swim fast and agile like the Harbor Seals. They bring me joy and motivation to love of our ocean and it’s amazing life.