PLEASE SHARE
At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating stunning and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
SHARK FIN COVE, DAVENPORT, CALIFORNIA
Davenport is located approximately 9 miles north of Santa Cruz, along the Pacific Ocean coast, on Highway 1. Shark Fin Cove is a hidden location near our favorite hotel and restaurant in the area—the Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn.
The town is currently noted for its spectacular cliffs and bluffs above the Pacific, beaches between the cliffs, surfing opportunities and excellent photography spots. If you’re looking for a California outdoor photography place to take pictures, Shark Fin Cove is one of the best places in the state for photography. As you explore great photography spots near the area in California, Shark Fin Cove stands out for its dramatic waves and stunning scenery.
We don’t go anywhere without our Think Tank Camera Bags. Special offer!
PERSPECTIVE FROM AN ICONIC TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER
Along the California coast, I immerse myself in outdoor photography, discovering remarkable spots to take pictures that shine. This is more than just nature photography; it’s an adventure to uncover the essence of the area through distinct photo sites while journeying to the best photography locations. With my trusty assistant Erica by my side, we got up early and traversed the steep climb to the bottom to the beach.
We set out again after sunset to take photos at the same location using long exposure for night shots. As we climbed back up, we noticed we were joined by others who were also there to photograph the Milky Way. It seemed this spot was popular among local night sky enthusiasts. Afterwards, we went to Pigeon Point Lighthouse to continue our Milky Way photography. It was an incredible travel adventure.
We spent hours in this landscape photography location and deemed it a top travel photography destination for great photos.
WHEN TO GO TO SHARK FIN COVE
Season: Head to Shark Fin Cove from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild. This is also when the Milky Way core will be visible.
Weather: For Milky Way photography, check for clear skies and also be aware of fog. We had two nights of a lot of fog when we were here.
Check the tides: Low tide is best for exploring tide pools and shoreline walks. High tide can limit access.
Crowds : Weekdays are less busy, but early weekend mornings have fewer humans.
Sunrise or Sunset: These times provide beautiful views of the sky and water, perfect for photography or a serene visit.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE DAVENTPORT INN
To get here, leave the Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn (where you can grab some organic coffee), then proceed to the location and make a left while facing the ocean. You can drive until you reach the first parking lot on the right-hand side. There is no sign, but this is where you park to hike down to Shark Fin Cove. It’s not an easy hike, so be aware of that before you embark on it. It’s under a minute to climb down, but it’s very steep, with no handrails, and it may be slippery if it’s wet.
Photography Hot Spot Location
You’re here looking for an incredible photography location in California? Look no further than Shark Fin Cove. This scenic spot is perfect for creating dramatic shots of the Pacific Coast. This is a popular photography destination.
ABOUT SHARK FIN COVE
Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful photography location in California, offering gorgeous ocean views. The cove is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, as well as incredible rock formations and a dark sky location, making it a popular spot for photographers and those interested in photographing the Milky Way.
Located along the rugged coastline, Shark Fin Cove lies 1.5 miles south of Davenport and 10 miles north of the vibrant city of Santa Cruz.
TIPS: PHOTOGRAPHING SHARK FIN COVE
Shark Fin Cove is a popular destination located in California. The cove is known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and resident sharks. Here are some tips for photographing Shark Fin Cove:
1. Use a wide-angle lens with a neutral density filter to get milky water long exposure shots.
2. Get sunset and Milky Way photography here as well.
3. Shoot in RAW. This will give you the most flexibility when editing later on.
4. Wander around with your camera, exploring all the different areas around Shark Fin Cove.
SHARK FIN OVERLOOK
At Shark Fin Cove Overlook, there is a stunning view of the beach and the iconic Shark Fin Rock. For those who want to photograph different perspectives of this natural wonder, take the trail that winds around the top of the cliffs. This area offers plenty of photo opportunities, with varying viewpoints, to capture the beauty of the cove and its surroundings. Take a short walk along the cliffs, soaking in the breathtaking scenery before looping back to your starting point.
SHARK FIN ROCK
Aptly named Shark Fin Rock, it resembled the sharp dorsal fin of a great white shark, adding an element of danger to the otherwise peaceful beach. This geological wonder was a favorite among visitors.
SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY
With its great sunset views and unique rock formations, Shark Fin Cove is a must-visit spot for any picture taking enthusiast. The golden hour lighting and clear skies make it the perfect location to capture breathtaking images. Even if you’re not behind the lens, the cove still offers a romantic and picturesque setting to watch the sunset. It’s no wonder this hidden gem is one of Santa Cruz County’s best-kept secrets for sunset viewing.
SEA CAVE
A secret sea cave lies on the left side of the beach, hidden amongst the rugged cliffs. Its walls are carved and smoothed by centuries of relentless waves, creating an eerie yet alluring entrance. But beware, for its depths can be treacherous. One can safely navigate its slippery floors and dark chambers during low tide. Even then, unexpected sneaker waves can surge without warning, making each step a calculated risk.
Yet, even from a distance, the sea cave offers incredible views. The vibrant blue hues of the ocean peek through its cavernous mouth, beckoning to those brave enough to venture inside. The salty air dances on your skin as you stand at its threshold, teasing you with the mysteries that await within.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY
Within a mile of Shark Fin Cove – Davenport Road House Reservations and Information. It’s a fabulous place to eat, drink, and stay. We Highly Recommend it! This is one of our favorite places of the year. (the year we were there :) More info below.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Shark Fin Cove is one of the best places in California to photograph the Milky Way. With its clear skies and lack of light pollution, this coastal location offers an ideal setting. Although we were only here for one night on our trip, fog rolled in, and we couldn’t see the Milky Way, so we didn’t have many images to share with you.
Bring a tall tripod to get over the plants so your camera can see the cove and the Milky Way.
WHEN TO PHOTOGRAPH
Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful location in California. The cove is also a popular spot for sunset photography, so arrive early to get the best light. And, of course, from March to October, for Milky Way Photography. However, remember that in March, April, and May, the hours are early morning to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. June through October, it’s after sunset, and the rest of the year, the Milky Way core is not visible.
HOW TO GET THERE
This location is situated directly along Route 1, between Davenport and Santa Cruz. It’s only five minutes from Davenport. Keep a good lookout for a small parking lot on the side of the road. There are no signs.
Start out at the Davenport Inn. When looking at the water, make a left out of the parking lot. Drive just under a mile, and on the right, you will see a parking lot 0.7 miles down Route 1.
NEARBY PHOTOGRAPHY
You can pair up this location with the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
Perched high above the tumultuous ocean waves, Pigeon Point Lighthouse offers a surreal backdrop for stargazing and astrophotography. The night skies here lack artificial lights and pollution that typically obscure views, rendering the Milky Way in vivid detail.
You can photograph it from a distance, like in this image, or you can get closer to take a picture of it. We suggest photographing it during the daytime, as well as getting an idea of how you would like to compose your shot at night to make it easier.
PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE, CALIFORNIA MILKY WAY
PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION SUMMARY
It is a steep climb to get to the bottom. You should wear good hiking boots and be prepared. It takes work to get to the bottom.
Lens: Generally, this area is suitable for a wide-angle lens.
Gear List at a Glance:
Circular polarizing filter, neutral density filters, tripod, shutter release, wide-angle, and zoom lens. Since there are moving waters at the site, bring your neutral density filters to achieve the long exposure and silky water effects during the day. It’s a perfect location for a ten-stop ND filter. Please refer to our ND filter page for more details if you require additional information.
ISO:
Start with ISO 1600 – 3200. This is a common starting point, and you will adjust from here.
APERTURE:
Depth of field isn’t critical in these shots, but letting light into the camera is; therefore, you should shoot wide open unless you are trying to get other things in focus.
SHUTTER SPEED:
Now that the ISO and aperture are set in manual mode adjust your shutter speed until your meter reads 0. Take a test shot and adjust from there. Remember, the Earth is rotating. If you leave the shutter open for too long, you’ll see star trails that won’t make for a crisp image. You can create star trails specifically, but that’s not what we’re going for here, since we started with Milky Way photography. We want crisp, non-star-trail images when doing this.
Here is the formula to avoid star trails— 500 rule – Divide 500 by the focal length of your lens. So, if you have a 24mm lens on a full-frame camera, you will set your shutter speed to 20 sec. (500/24 = 20.83). If you’re using a crop sensor camera, first calculate the focal length of the crop sensor.
WHITE BALANCE:
In live view mode, you can adjust your white balance settings and see how they look. You can also shoot in shade or cloud mode as a standard setting and change things later when editing.
AREA INFORMATION:
Entrance Fees: There are no entrance fees.
CAMPING
RESTAURANTS
We LOVE this place. It offers many healthy meal options, and the menu features icons for vegetarian and vegan dishes. It also provides organic foods!! We promote healthy living, so this is one of our top places to eat.
Davenport Roadhouse Inn—See Below. It is a restaurant and a hotel. We enjoyed eating here because we love healthy, organic food.
We foud it to be the best place with the best rates and great service!
HOTELS
Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn
Convenient Location: Located just 10 minutes from Santa Cruz, among organic farms, boutique vineyards, and state beaches and hiking trails, is the Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn. Our Restaurant features produce from neighboring organic farms, a full bar, and outstanding wines. Our Inn features ocean views, beds made to our specifications, locally made soaps and lotions, and cashmere-like robes made of soy and bamboo fibers. In a hurry? Visit the Café/Take Out bar, which serves locally roasted coffees, custom teas, and delicious sweet or savory baked goods made daily.
Area Weather: Click here to see the weather in Shark Fin Cove.
