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

Orange 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

Be aware of the swell/waves.

South in Laguna. Enter to the right of the big rock on shore

Laguna Beach

Woods Cove

old barge that sunk in the 40 or 50...good photo opps.

its about .5 of a mile from shore in front of a brown house with white windows... 

Cleo Street Barge is also known as Foss 125.

Cleo Street Barge

Saw a lot of interesting things.

By boat or by shore.

Aliso is also known as Aliso Beach.

Aliso

Sandy bottom with Rays and sand sharks

Direct from beach

Invertebrates, Garaboldi Sheepshead, sea Stars

North End of Main Beach

Bird Rock

Are you a new diver looking to get your fins wet in a forgiving environment?  This is the place!  Bring a couple of tanks, a picnic lunch, and sunscreen, and you'll be set for a very relaxing day.

Located 1.8 miles North of South Laguna, and 2 miles South of Laguna Beach.

Aliso Beach Park

Sea lions, Nudibranchs, sea Stars

Southern end of Heisler Park

Rock Pile

nudibranchs, Garibaldi, sheepshead and Sea Lions

Center of Heisler Park

Monument Point

Mostly dive training

North end of Heisler Park

Picnic Beach

Student dive spot: Sand and rock bottom with Moray eels, Lobsters...
Best diving is on the outer edge of the reef between Diver's Cove and Boat Canyon. Cracks in the reef go deep in the rock, some as wide as four feet and as high as fifteen feet. Harbor seals frequently play in these channels. 

In Laguna Beach, along the 600 block of Cliff Drive. Park Metered street parking. Sandy beach entry. Reef is in front of the condos.

Woods Cove

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Woods Cove