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

Los Angeles 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

Two Harbors

Emerald Bay

Rays in the sand and some Halibut. Leopard sharks in the southern kelp.

Northwest of Ismus Cove

Doctors Cove

Mantis shrimp can be found here!

Southeast of Arrow Point

Pebbly Beach

Sandy bottom and kelp in the rocks

West of Ismus Cove

Big Geiger Cove is also known as Geiger Cove.

Big Geiger Cove

Black and white sea bass on occasion. Lobster at night marching across the sand

West of Ismus Cove

Arrow Point

Big Sea Bass between here and Eagle Reef (out front)

North west from Ismus Cove

Little Geiger Cove

Kelp around the rocks and a few fish

West of Ismus Cove

Eel Cove

White Abalone over 90 feet. Harbor seals. Garaboldi and sheepshead

Northwest of Ismus Harbor

Eagle Reef

White Abalone below 90 feet

West of Isthmus Cove

East End Eagle Reef

Kelp, Garabaldi, big sea Bass, nudibranchs and rays in the sand

West of Arrow Point and Ismus Cove

Stony Point

Kelp and Kelp fishes, Garaboldi

Western side of Ismus Cove

Lions Head is also known as Lion Head.

Emerald Bay

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Emerald Bay