Sears Rock - California

Sudbury Reef, for us, is a sleeper hit out on the Great Barrier. It’s not one of the big names, which is precisely why we love it. The coral here feels less… manicured, more natural, with some sprawling formations that really give you a sense of scale. Down deeper, around the 15-20 metre mark, we’ve often found ourselves drifting past enormous brain corals, their surfaces rippling with subtle shifts in light. Keep an eye out for the Harlequin Tuskfish – their colours are ridiculously vibrant against the more muted corals. We’ve had fantastic luck spotting Pharaoh Cuttlefish here too, especially in the late afternoon; their skin rippling with patterns as they size you up is always a treat. If you’re into the smaller, more unusual stuff, definitely spend some time scanning the sandy patches for the Bigtooth Twinspot Flounder. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate a quieter reef experience, away from the bigger tour boats, and who enjoy patiently searching for unique critters. It offers a genuine taste of the GBR without feeling like a theme park.

Location
California, United States, North America
Coordinates
37.828610, -122.549164
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Spindrift

Best Time to Dive in California

The warmest water temperatures in California occur in August, averaging 20.6°C (up to 24.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 14.0°C.

The calmest sea conditions are typically in July with average wave heights of 0.60m.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.4°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • February: 14.0°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • March: 14.2°C (air: 13.3°C)
  • April: 14.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • May: 16.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • July: 20.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • August: 20.6°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • September: 20.4°C (air: 19.7°C)
  • October: 18.8°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • November: 16.3°C (air: 16.0°C)
  • December: 15.6°C (air: 14.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in California

Nearest Dive Centres to Sears Rock

Marine Life in California

Home to 10 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Sears Rock

Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories