Albion Beach

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Wind and waves can make the Mendocino Coast a bit wild but Albion is a long and well protected cove that offers fairly reliable conditions. Unfortunately the length of the cove which is responsible for its relative calm is also why scuba divers without a boat will find themselves making a very long surface swim to get to the good stuff. Follow the north side of the cove and drop down into about 20 to 30 feet of water right past the Harbor Beacon and keep going straight out through mixed urchin barrens and bull kelp. A boat will help get you out of the cove and into more wild, open ocean conditions that are much more abundant with wildlife- the harbor is fairly fished out. Albion Beach is located at 39.227050, -123.769613

Quick Info

Albion Beach

Coordinates	39.360357, -123.816900
Depth
Skill Level
Access Method	Shore, Boat

Entry & Access

The entrance to the parking area is a sharp right turn as one drives north across the ALbion River Bridge. Follow the steep road around to the visitor entrance, pay your $10 vehicle pass and park under the bridge. Once you gear up it's only a short walk to the water where you'll either surface swim at least out to the harbor beacon or else take a kayak or boat out farther.

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Attractions & Wildlife

There is still a decent amount of bull kelp close to the north side of the cove and fish can be found farther outside the long cove. Within the cove, however, it has largely been fished out.

Amenities

Facilities are owned by Albion River Campground and access costs $10 per vehicle. For that price you'll get safe parking close to the water, primitive but adequate bathroom facilities, a fish gutting station and a fresh water tap.

Skill Level & Hazards

At the height of the season, fishing boats will be cruising through the center of the cove with some frequency so keep well to the north side of the Cove while swimming out and consider using a marker buoy.

Nearest Emergency Medical Facilities

Mendocino Coast District Hospital 700 River Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

EMS activation by boat: Notify Coast Guard boat crew on channel 16 or call 911.

Coast Guard deployed from Noyo River 19325 S Harbor Dr (139.26 mi) Fort Bragg, California 95437