Every year, millions of people visit California’s iconic beaches and world-famous parks: Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Disneyland. But only divers get to experience California’s stunning underwater attractions. With 1,350 km (840 miles) of coastline and dozens of islands, there’s a fun and memorable experience awaiting divers of all levels in California. Read on to learn about the best places to dive in California.
Where to Find the Best Scuba Diving in California
Generally speaking, scuba divers are easy-going and open-minded. But if you want to see divers get their hackles up, ask a Northern California diver and a Southern California diver to debate which part of the state has better diving.
From one end of the state to the other you’ll find kelp forests filled with sheephead, bat rays, kelpfish, halibut and sole, rockfish, cabezon and the iconic orange Garibaldi (California’s state marine fish). There’s also great shore diving, kayak diving and the annual squid run.
So, which part of California has the best diving? We’ll review the best dive spots from north to south – the final decision is up to you.
Northern California Scuba Diving
Smith River
Just south of the Oregon border, the Smith River has some of the most consistent and accessible diving at the northern end of California. The dive site Early Hole has 15m (50ft) visibility on average and is diveable most of the year. From late November through early March, winter storms bring strong currents. You can expect to see different types of trout, salmon and green or white sturgeon.
Lake Tahoe
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of 501 m (1,645 ft), Lake Tahoe is a scenic place to earn an Altitude Diving Specialty certification. With water temps ranging from 4°C (40°F) at depth to 17°C (63°F) at the surface, Lake Tahoe is also a great place for dry suit diving.
Two-thirds of Lake Tahoe is in California and the other third is in the state of Nevada. The most popular and most accessible dive site on Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor, but it’s on the Nevada side.
On the California side, the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail is well worth a visit. Scuba divers, freedivers and snorkelers can see more than a dozen historic watercraft at depths ranging from 3-18m (10-60 ft). Visibility is typically very good, up to 30m (100ft).
Read more about scuba diving Lake Tahoe and see a map of Lake Tahoe dive sites.
Scuba Diving in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Farallon Islands
Located just 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Farallon Islands are technically part of the City of San Francisco. But compared to the city’s other famous islands (Alcatraz, Angel and Treasure Island), the Farallons are relatively unknown (unless you’re a diver).
From September to November, Southeast Farallon and Maintop Island are a hotspot for cage diving with great white sharks. Some of the largest great whites ever seen were spotted in the Farallons. If you’re interested in learning more about these islands and great white shark research, I highly recommend reading The Devil’s Teeth.
Though best known for shark diving, you can also dive recreationally in the Farallons from approximately April through August. The islands have been a National Wildlife Refuge for more than 100 years and are home to an abundance of marine life. That said, the depths, bumpy water and strong currents make the Farallons a no-go for beginner divers. Read more about diving the Farallon Islands.
Monterey Bay
Divers of all levels can explore Monterey Bay. The National Marine Sanctuary has been called “The Serengeti of the Sea” because of its diverse and exciting marine life. When diving in Monterey, it’s possible to see 34 species of marine mammals and more than 525 species of fish.
When diving Monterey Bay, expect to see playful harbor seals and sea lions, spanish shawl and rainbow nudibranchs, octopuses and more. Depending on the time of year, you may see whales or dolphins while suiting up.
Rainbow nudibranch. Photo credit: Bruce Weitzenhoffer
Breakwater Cove and Lover’s Point are the best dive sites for beginners and for night diving. If you love adorable otters (who doesn’t?) pop by Otter’s Cove. There’s also the infamous Monastery Beach. On a flat, calm day you might wonder why divers make such a big deal about it; but when the surf is up, entering and exiting Monastery can be dangerous.
When diving a new area, it’s always a good idea to hire an experienced guide. A guide can point out interesting critters you might otherwise overlook. They will also help ensure your dive is as fun and stress-free as possible. Use the PADI® dive shop locator to quickly connect with a diving expert.
Point Lobos
The Point Lobos State Marine Reserve begins at the north end of Monastery Beach and ends at the mouth of Mal Paso Creek. That said, when people talk about the amazing diving at Point Lobos, they’re talking about Bluefish and Whalers Cove. These dive sites have been protected since 1960 and the underwater environment is simply stunning. Explore lush kelp forests, mini caves and see a mind-boggling amount of marine life.
If you want to dive Point Lobos, you have to plan ahead. Only 10 buddy teams are allowed per day and you must make a reservation in advance via the CA State Parks’ website.
Southern California Scuba Diving
The Channel Islands
The kelp forests of California are a must-do for any diver. Even if you prefer warm water, it’s worth wearing the extra neoprene, I promise. There’s something magical about watching sunbeams streaming through the gently swaying kelp fronds. It’s easy to imagine you’re floating through an actual forest – until a sea lion or seal comes darting through the ‘trees’.
California is a great place to dive with sea lions.
You’ll find kelp up and down California’s coastline, but the kelp forests surrounding Channel Islands National Park are some of the most pristine. Choose your own adventure: explore the Channel Islands on a liveaboard, a day boat, or plan a multi-day adventure with diving, kayaking, camping, etc.
Catalina Island and Farnsworth Banks
Photo credit: Brent Barnes
If your trip to California includes non-divers, consider a day trip or overnight getaway to Catalina Island. You can book a ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach or Dana Point and hire dive gear on island. While you explore the dive park at Casino Point, your non-diving friends can snorkel, shop, bar hop or simply wander around the quaint town of Avalon. The dive park is suitable for divers of all levels and Catalina is one of the best places to find giant black sea bass and electric rays (don’t touch!). If you’re an experienced diver and visiting California in late September or October, don’t miss a trip to Farnsworth Banks.
Read more about scuba diving in and around Los Angeles.
Oil Rig Diving California
In heavily-populated Southern California, humans have made a major impact on the environment. Decommissioned oil rigs provide critical habitat for local marine life and are a unique diving experience. Here are some photos of what you can expect to see on an oil rig dive in California.
Scuba Diving in San Diego
Even though it’s considered part of Southern California, San Diego gets its own section because the diving opportunities here are diverse and spectacular. There’s a reason Scripps Institution of Oceanography, PADI Americas and many scuba equipment manufacturers are headquartered within an hour’s drive of “America’s Finest City“.
La Jolla Cove & Shores
Located just north of San Diego, the seaside village of La Jolla (pronounced: la-hoy-yuh) is a superb place to kayak, surf, SUP, snorkel and scuba dive. The 6,000-acre underwater park has four distinct ecological areas (kelp, seagrass, rocky reef and canyon) and is popular with divers of all levels. Both La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores are easily accessible and spectacular shore dives. Expect to see seals and sea lions, stingrays, horn sharks, garibaldi, kelp bass, sheephead and (if you’re lucky) a broadnose seven gill shark.
La Jolla Shores is a spectacular shore diving location. Photo credit: Rocio Bunker
Wreck Alley
San Diego’s Wreck Alley is a great place to earn your Wreck Diver certification, but a wreck diving certification isn’t required to enjoy diving on the HMCS Yukon and colorful Ruby E. That said, deep diving experience is a must (especially for the Yukon) and you should never enter any wreck without proper training.
The Coronado Islands
One of the best boat dives you can do from San Diego is a day trip to the Coronado Islands. The Coronados are located in Mexico 24km (15m) south of San Diego and a 90 min-2 hour boat ride (each way) depending on the boat and the conditions.
Liveaboards to Guadalupe and Socorro
San Diego is also where you can catch a liveaboard boat to Socorro Island or hop on a shark diving expedition to Guadalupe Island.
The Best Time to Dive in California
Diving in California is good year-round. Visibility is typically 10m (32ft) or better. Some dive sites, such as Casino Point in Catalina, regularly have 18m (60ft) visibility or more. A lot depends on the dive site’s location and weather conditions.
From November through May, most divers in Southern California wear a 7 mm wetsuit with a hood, booties and gloves. June through October some divers switch to a 5 mil or don’t wear a hood, but you’ll also see divers in drysuits year-round. In Northern California, you’ll want a 7 mil with a hooded vest, booties and gloves, or a drysuit. A local PADI dive shop is the best place to find out where to dive and how much exposure protection to wear.
Ready to dive in? The dive travel experts at PADI Travel® can help you plan your trip. Or use the PADI dive shop locator to find a dive shop or dive boat near the area you plan to visit.
Go Deeper
Share This
