Name: Scenery South California
Rating: 5.0

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

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

Scenery South California is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in California South, USA West which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Scenery South California

If you enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of rocky channels, this is the place!  Because of the rugged nature of this site, however, wait for very calm conditions before trying an entry.  Otherwise, you may find out why they call it Hospital Point!

0.8 mile South of La Jolla Cove on Coast Blvd.  (See driving directions for La Jolla Cove)

Hospital Point

Another out-of-the-way dive spot to beat the crowds is at Moss Street Point.  Although usually well protected throughout the year, this area offers a good challenge to the seasoned diver.

Make a right on Moss Street about 1.6 miles South of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna.  The entrance is at the end of Moss.

Moss Street Point

If you find an exceptionally calm day, dive Windansea.  At the Southern entry you can find a rocky point to explore, and a few minutes off shore, you'll find a large reef.  Because this beach is fully exposed to the full power of the Pacific, treat this site with respect.

11 miles North of San Diego, take the Ardath Road exit to the West.  In 1.4 miles bear left on Torrey Pines Road;  0.85 mile, turn right on Prospect Place; 0.2 miles, bear left onto Prospect Street; 0.75 miles bear left onto La Jolla Blvd; 1.1 mile turn right onto Palomar Ave.   The beach is straight ahead.

Windansea

Shell Beach offers a little more protection for entry than Breakers.  Again, this site should only be dived on a calm day.

200 yards South of La Jolla Cove.  (See driving directions for La Jolla Cove)

Shell Beach

This is the most popular beach in La Jolla.  Sunners, surfers, picnickers, divers and dive classes use this area extensively during the weekends.  The area is a fantastic underwater park, with fish hanging around for a handout.  This can be an easy or a technically-advanced dive, depending upon your skill level.

11 miles North of San Diego, take the Ardath Road exit to the West.  In 1.4 miles turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive. Turn left on Avenida De La Playa, and you'll find the park in 1/2 mile.

La Jolla Shores

This dive was recommended by a certified Gorilla.  We've only included The Cave to show how difficult it can be to access.  If you aren't comfortable climbing on sandy rocks, try a kayak dive instead!  Located in the heart of La Jolla, this entry accesses some very nice coastline.

11 miles North of San Diego, take the Ardath Road exit to the West.  In 1.4 miles bear left on Torrey Pines Road.  In 0.85 mile, turn right on Prospect Place.  In 0.2 miles, bear right down Coast Blvd, and turn right into the parking.

The Cave

More rocky coastline and spectacular canyons await you at Shaw's cove.  The diving is a breeze during good sea conditions.

Make a left on Fairview Street about 3/4 mile North of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna.  The entrance is at the intersection with Cliff.

Shaws Cove

The Breakers is a less visited beach due its inaccessibility and, as the name implies, it is less protected than La Jolla Cove.  People climbing on these rocks have been surprised by rogue swells that have swept them fatally into the sea.  Talk to a local dive shop before attempting this dive.

Around the Western point of La Jolla Cove.  (See driving directions for La Jolla Cove)

Breakers

When Neptune is cooperating, this becomes one of the most popular dive sites in the area.  Because the marine life is protected here, you'll find a wide variety of fish, friendlier than usual.

Make a left on Myrtle Street about 1/2 mile North of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna.  Turn right on Cliff.

Divers Cove

This location, although great for surfers and sunners, probably will not have the best visibility for diving.  The shallow reefs, however, do house a wide variety of marine life perfect for you underwater fishermen!

Located 3 miles South of San Clemente, and 19 miles North of Oceanside.  From I-5, take the Basilone Exit South and travel 1.4 miles down the Old Highway 101.

Scenery South California

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Scenery South California