I. Sunset Cliffs
Chasm
UnconfirmedA rule might apply and couldn't be confirmed from an official source Approximate area — exact entry not verified
- EntryShore
- PinApproximate
- Sources1 · low
Legal note: Same unconfirmed Navy 200 ft rule as Newbreak (south of PLNU). Follow any posted signs.
Rules last verified Nov 12, 2026 · Full rules ›
Approximate location — check the spot on satellite before you go.
Getting in
- Location
32.70767, -117.25772 (approximate, not verified in person). South of Newbreak; surfers ride the fence line at inside Chasm. (D21, low-q)
Not known yet: entry and exit, parking and facilities, access — help us fill this in.
The dive
Not known yet: depth, terrain, skill, best conditions, visibility — help us fill this in.
Notes for every spot in Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs runs south from Ocean Beach along Sunset Cliffs Blvd to Point Loma Nazarene University and Navy land. (D50)
What applies to every Sunset Cliffs spot
Depth bands:
- 10–25 ft of broken rock and boulders near shore.
- 35–50 ft farther out.
- Kelp edges at 50–65 ft.
(D14)
Lobster: crevice-heavy reef holds good numbers from about 10 to 40 ft in season. (D14)
Skill: challenging terrain for experienced divers. (D10)
Swell: a south swell makes the entries rough. (D14)
Tide: the surf guides say most breaks need high tide to surf, while the beach guides say beach access needs low tide. (D22, D23)
Cliffs are unstable:
- People have been killed falling from them.
- Use established stairs and paths only, and never climb the cliffs.
- Erosion changes routes, so check them each visit.
(D14, D23)
Facilities:
- Portable restrooms only.
- One public shower at Ladera St and Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
- No lifeguards.
(D23)
Parking:
- Lots at the north and south ends of Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
- A lot at Ladera St and Cornish Dr.
- A public lot on the PLNU campus (via Lomaland Dr).
- Street parking along the boulevard. One source says the boulevard is metered (conflict).
(D23, D14, D24)
Many break names below come from surfers' lists, not dive guides. Their order comes from a 1985 list in reader comments (D21, low-q) and an aggregator (D57, low-q). Confirm each one in person.
Rules here
Unconfirmed
Same unconfirmed Navy 200 ft rule as Newbreak (south of PLNU). Follow any posted signs.
Zones
Full rules ›
Legal sources
- S70 Franko Maps – San Diego County Coast Dive Guide (laminated map; photo provided by Trevor, 2026-10-20; appears to predate the 2012 MPAs)
Cameras
No live cam for this spot.
Sources & last verified
- Coordinates
- 32.70767, -117.25772 (approx (desk estimate 2026-10-22, not verified))
Approximate location — not verified: the pin is an estimate; check it on site.
- Rules last verified
- Nov 12, 2026 (laws.md)
Spot profile
Location
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