Dive Cave Rock

At the south end of the Cave Rock parking lot is a lovely beach providing easy entry to the water. The sandy shallows give way to rocky shallows where fish gather in the warmer seasons. Then the sand takes back over again, and it very gradually gets deeper as you head west. There’s so much sand with so little change in depth that it can be disorienting, so be sure to take your heading and follow your compass.

Looking out from shore, you’ll see two buoys. The first is above the rocks. The second is over sand. Neither mark areas deeper than 10-15 feet. In short, it’s a long swim to get deep here, and even then you’ll need a scooter to get past 75′. This has two big advantages: beginners can’t really get into trouble, and you don’t have to bring a big reel for your required-by-law-in-Nevada dive flag float. This is a busy area with a good amount of boat traffic, so exercise caution and bring your flag.

Parking is $10 for the day. You’ll be sharing the parking lot with boats and trailers. This area is open year round, including bathrooms, which are heated in winter.

Fast facts

  • Access: 400 feet from car parked in non-trailer spot to water, easy gear drop off 100 feet from the water, open year round (heated restrooms!)
  • Surface swim: A few hundred feet for rocks in the shallows, well over a thousand feet for deeper area
  • Parking: $10 for the day, lot shared with boat trailers
  • Crowds: Low in winter to very high in summer
  • Dive experience level: Beginner
  • Highlights: Cool rocks in the shallows, which attract fish during the warmer months
  • Dive flag: Required
Cave Rock
61°
Clear
6:58 am6:38 pm PDT
Feels like: 61°F
Wind: 5mph SW
Humidity: 32%
Pressure: 30.05"Hg
UV index: 0
SatSunMon
77°F / 41°F
77°F / 39°F
75°F / 43°F

Cave Rock depth

NOAA depth chart of Cave Rock area

Depth in feet

Source: NOAA Chart 18665 (1975) (2016 – depth in meters)

Shore dive: Cave Rock