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

Kelp, Sea Lions, fish

Just North of Ismus Cove Western catalina Island

Two Harbors

Ship Rock



Off NW corner of Bird Rock. Located in Isthmus Cove on the frontside of Catalina Island.

Bird Rock Wall

Kelp and Kelp fishes, Garaboldi

Western side of Ismus Cove

Lions Head is also known as Lion Head.

Lions Head

White Abalone below 90 feet

West of Isthmus Cove

East End Eagle Reef

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

Northwest of Ismus Harbor

Eagle Reef

Reef inside Ismus good for fish and some small sharks on sandy bottom some Kelp

Western Side of Ismus Cove, West End Catalina Island

Cherry Cove

Calm spot inside Ismus Cove with kelp and fish. I found an old anchor there but ran out of air and tanks and could not get it...

Southwest of Bird Rock

Harbor Reefs

Sandy bottom with halibut and Rays

Northwestern side of Ismus Cove

Fourth of July Cove

Kelp around the rocks and a few fish

West of Ismus Cove

Eel Cove

This site is in a State of California Marine Reserve, anchoring is prohibited and ALL marine life is protected. Dives in the cove range from 30M+ walls to 3M rocky reefs. The cove is managed for the state by the USC/Wrigley Marine Science Center. It is heavily instrumented, with numerous scientific experiments anchored to the bottom. Please don't disturb!

Sandy bottom Halibut, Rays and sand sharks

Western Side of Ismus Cove

Fishermans Cove is also known as Fisherman's Cove.

Fishermans Cove

Blue cavern is a fantastic wide-angle photography site.

Blue Cavern point is located in a marine sanctuary (anchoring is prohibited). It is just S of Bird Rock, along the coastline toward Two Harbors

Blue Cavern is also known as Blue Cavern Point, Blue Caverns, Blue Caverns Point.

Ship Rock

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Ship Rock