Sea Ranch recommendation?

Already did a search, and didn't find anything on point.

I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for an access point for shore diving in Sea Ranch.  Not looking for honey hole info- just an access point, where to park, etc. to explore on my own.  Thanks .

I normally dive Mendo, but recently explored Sea Ranch.  I didn't know where to go initially, because all the roads were private, except for the public coastal access roads. We explored Stengel Beach, but was disappointed by the infestation of sea urchins and with no ab population other than occasional abalone.  I suppose I could try the remaining 3 public coastal access roads, but I probably won't have time to explore them all.  I'll explore, but would like to save some time if you have a shore dive launch site to recommend.

HamachiJohn
Jonathan

The link below should drop you right at the Sea Ranch Shell Beach public beach access, this point is a little over a half mile walk from the public access parking lot. Looks like some good shore diving too, did the walk one day with the GF  but I never went back to try it.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7264357,-123.4802087,2a,75y,226.91h,79.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVck9_ViWhZCFFnxDyUkhJg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

This spot has a yakable (conditions dependent) launch but only if you're a resident or renter to get your vehicle down there. Take a close look on google satellite view.

Sea Ranch is pretty locked up, even tho the public has access to the bluff top trail (in places) the signage is pretty specific that you can only step off the trail in the specific "public access" beaches.

I've heard that the residents will turn you in to security in an instant if you violate that rule.

I think over the years, like you, (and I) and other members have looked for reasonable access and found nothing worthwhile, not that it's not there, just not worth the trouble to access.

The link below should drop you right at the Sea Ranch Shell Beach public beach access...

Thank you much for the link and sharing your past experience with it! 
I know that sharing info on dive spots can be very touchy, even if it's general info, so appreciated all the more.  It will be my next shore dive to explore...

To add to what Dale L said, some friends went diving there a few years ago. Back at their car they were met by some local LEO types who claimed that they had gone off the the trail (they said they did not) and confiscated their catch.  Not to dissuade you, but I get the impression that it is not a friendly place for outsiders.

To add to what Dale L said, some friends went diving there a few years ago. Back at their car they were met by some local LEO types who claimed that they had gone off the the trail (they said they did not) and confiscated their catch.  Not to dissuade you, but I get the impression that it is not a friendly place for outsiders.

Unbelievable...

It's true, they actually have they're own police and they are on point. If residence see you in the water they will call dfg. They will try to nail you if they think you got off trail and if you park anywhere near the launch, even to unload they will boot and tow you. If you decide to go stay on the trail and have all your fishing license stuff ready. Also the walk to the water is roughly a mile long from the parking area on 1. good luck

thanks for the heads up!  Maybe they have a big gold stash there.... or they are a religious cult?  Will make sure to stay on trail and be respective of their private property.

It's true, they actually have they're own police and they are on point. If residence see you in the water they will call dfg. They will try to nail you if they think you got off trail and if you park anywhere near the launch, even to unload they will boot and tow you. If you decide to go stay on the trail and have all your fishing license stuff ready. Also the walk to the water is roughly a mile long from the parking area on 1. good luck

Cult.. hmmm maybe, maybe too much purple cool aid.

This is the only place on the sonoma coast were I was aggressively approached, came flying right us, otw by DFG boat and asked to see my license and show all my catch. I dont care, I seen them in the distance and they were B-lining right to us. hmmmmm 

They think it's their own private country. FUCK THEM!
Don't take their shit as long as you stay legal.
Feel free to tell them they're #1 too...so long as you use the correct finger.

Money, politics, power, love to see a list of owners.