Coastal Waters
While the sand on Coronado Beach is safe, waste from the South can occasionally make ocean water unsafe. It occurs from time to time. Thankfully, solutions have been put in place. Get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) below!
Again, the water may be off limits from time to time, but Coronado’s golden beaches are always OPEN for year-round enjoyment. You can check water conditions off the coast of Coronado here.
In May 2024, Coronado Island was added to the Top 10 Beach List by Dr. Stephen Leatherman. Better known as “Dr. Beach,” Leatherman is a Scientist, Author and Professor at Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. Travel + Lesiure and TripAdvisor have also named Coronado Beach as one of their top choices.
Click here for a live peek of Coronado Beach! This free webcam shows the crashing waves, ocean breezes and white sand beach near the Hotel del Coronado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the beach water occasionally off limits?
From time to time, coastal water in San Diego’s South Bay area – including Coronado – will be temporarily closed to help protect the public from unsafe water. After many years of research, we are fortunate to now have access to new highly sensitive testing measures which accurately detect water conditions that aren’t safe for swimming or surfing.
Introduced in 2023, the new DNA based testing is known as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, or ddPCR, and will be expanded to more than 70 miles of San Diego County shoreline to further protect the public.
Which beaches are impacted?
All Coronado beaches – including Tidelands Park, Coronado Beach, Silver Strand and Coronado Shores.
What is causing the pollution?
Baja California’s wastewater management systems is overtaxed. As a result, sewage is crossing the border from Tijuana into San Diego’s South Bay region, including Coronado.
Specifically, recent studies out of UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Stanford University have identified a defunct wastewater facility in Tijuana as a major source of the pollution.
Can I still enjoy the beach without going into the water?
Yes, the beach itself is NOT closed. Only the water will be off limits from time to time.
We’re even named to the top ten list of beaches in the country by Forbes, USA Today and Travel + Leisure because we have miles of pristine white shorefront – for walking, sunbathing, watching the sunset and events and picnics. Dr. Beach has described Coronado Beach as “the toast of Southern California, a veritable oasis by the sea that is hundreds of yards wide with sub-tropical vegetation, a unique Mediterranean climate and fine sparkling sand.”
Has the water on Coronado Beach closed in the past?
Closures in the area have occurred occasionally for decades. They were once thought of as largely a wintertime occurrence, exacerbated by run off from winter rains. Now, due to new highly sensitive testing, experts have come to realize water contamination can be a year-round occurrence.
What is the new test?
San Diego is the first coastal county in the nation to institute a federally approved ocean water-quality testing system that uses highly sensitive DNA technology. A joint effort involving nine years of research, the testing involves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Public Health and researchers at UC San Diego. The test, known as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, or ddPCR, will be expanded to more than 70 miles of San Diego County shoreline to help protect the public.
Why was new testing implemented?
The process for devising new testing began in response to inquiries from the community about water safety. Area residents wanted faster results – and more accurate information on if the ocean could make them sick.
How is the new testing different than the older means?
The previous testing regime relied on taking a culture, with scientists examining water samples for bacterial growth in a lab. Experts maintain that the new DNA-based method is not only more accurate but quicker, returning results within 10 hours instead of 24. In either scenario, the presence of bacteria is considered an indicator for pathogens, such as E. coli, Vibrio and salmonella.
Is the new testing necessary?
Yes, while we may not like the occasional closure, we encourage and prioritize safety! The new testing and the closures are necessary to protect beachgoers from sometimes dangerously high levels of bacteria and viruses, according to county public health officials.
What happens if I ignore the signs and go swimming?
Swimmers who ignore the restrictions could be at risk of diarrhea, fever, respiratory disease, meningitis and even paralysis.
What is being done to minimize the pollution?
The Environmental Protection Agency is pursuing a $630 million plan to help mitigate the cross-border pollution. The federal government has allocated $330 million to mitigate the problem, with the Mexican government contributing another $144 million. Representatives in both Sacramento and Washington are actively pursuing more funding so Coronado’s water is safe year-round.
Are there any short-term solutions?
New protocols and testing measures are always being researched and considered. Longer term repairs will ultimately resolve our occasional water quality concerns.
In the meantime, what do you recommend to swimmers if the water is off limits?
Swimmers have plenty of safe options when the ocean and bay water is deemed unsafe. First, Coronado’s top resorts feature lots of swimming pool options to their guests and visiting groups. Otherwise, the City of Coronado operates a public pool at the the Brian Bent Memorial Aquatic Complex on 6th Street. (619) 437-0227
And remember, Coronado’s expansive beaches are never off limits – offering plenty of space for walking the shore and taking in the breathtaking views.
Want to know more?
Danielle Rossetto, our Destination Sales Director, can share the latest news and updates. Contact her at (619) 319‑5174.
