California has three beautiful diving regions.

The North coast region is renowned for lush, moist forests of the world's tallest trees, coastal bluffs, secluded coves and wildlife areas. From the pristine beaches and coves of Carmel by the Sea and Monterey Bay, the coastline includes numerous dive locations North of San Francisco, all the way to Mendocino and Crescent City. Each site offers its unique underwater topography and associated marine life.

The California mid region includes diving locations from South of Pt. Lobos State Park (Carmel by the Sea) to Laguna Beach. This long stretch of beautiful beaches can be categorized as open-water diving, with some protected coves and inlets. Capitalizing on optimal weather as well as observing tides and current conditions are crucial to an enjoyable dive experience.

The California South listings include the greater San Diego area (Pt. Loma North to La Jolla) continuing up through Orange County to Laguna Beach. Each ShoreDiving location has unique conditions -- and beauty!

As always, check with your local resources for exact local conditions for the ultimate safe and rewarding dive experience.

California

Mendocino County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

Albion

Navarro Beach

Plenty of kelp so keep to the open paths to find the depth you are looking for.
This is one of Mendocino County's best spots for abalone diving.
Be sure to check the current regulations on ab harvesting to avoid fines from the strict enforcement by the good people at the Department of Fish and Game. 
Visibility can be limited but the amount of life is abundant, especially if you have access to a kayak or an inflatable.


Just North of Mendocino along HW 1 you can find Little River, or Van Damm state park.
Parking is free and just a small walk across the beach to the ocean.
The access is protected by an offshore reef structure that makes this access the safest along the North Coast.

Little River is also known as Van Damm.

Little River

Stornetta Cove

Arena Cove

Hunted for Abalone and spear fished outside the reserve area in Gerstle Cove.  Gerstle Cove is a favorite dive training location because of the easy access, parking and picnic areas.

Parking at the point over looking north side of Gerstle Cove, which part of it is a marine reserve. Access road just before the point parking area to south Gerstle Cove access and parking.

Salt Point State Park

Gerstle Cove is found within the Salt Point State Park, and offers some of the finest Abalone hunting in this area.

About 6 miles North of Fort Ross, you'll find the campground entrance.

Gerstle Cove

The main reason people go here is abalone diving. I did see several legal ones, however it seemed slightly inferior to the Stillwater cove less than two miles away. For spear fishing however I found it to be better. While free diving I pulled a ~30 inch ling cod out of only fifteen foot deep water. There are also many more perch, and rockfish than I had observed at Stillwater cove the day before. It is also a very calm site, and would serve as a good beginner dive for anyone wanting to make their first abalone dive.

This site is only a few minutes north of Stillwater beach near salt point. take the highway 1 north until you see the Ocean Cove Store. From there take a left there will be a campground head into the camp ground and take the first right, that will take you to a boat ramp, enter anywhere near the ramp.

Ocean Cove

Stillwater cove is recognized for its relatively undisturbed marine environment.  Due to the sensitivity of this habitat, only 10 divers a day are allowed access.  Sorry, there is no night diving.  The Beach and Tennis Club provides the coastal access from sunrise to sunset, and there is a $10 gate fee to gain access into Pebble Beach.

Located in the heart of Pebble Beach, the drive here is worth the effort, even if you are not going to dive!   Drive South of Carmel on Highway 1 to Ocean Ave.  Take Ocean Ave West and turn right on San Antonio Ave.  Wind your way North until you find yourself on Carmel Way.  You will soon intersect with the famous 17 Mile Drive.  A gate guard will welcome you and relieve you of some money for the privilege of hobnobbing with the Rich and Famous. Travel North West for about 1 mile, and turn left on Palmero Way.  Travel approximately 1/2 mile and then make a left on to Cypress Drive for about 1/8 of a mile which ends at Stillwater Cove.

Stillwater Cove



2 miles South of the Historic Park

Fort Ross is also known as Red Barn, Fort Ross Reef Campground.

Navarro Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Navarro Beach