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

Santa Barbara 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

Directly off the beach are large sand flats. Look for pipefish and (at night) cusk-eels.  A short underwater swim to the right are low rocky reefs and shelfs.  Giant kelp and gorgonians are plentiful.  Occasionally you'll spot abalone, giant sea bass, and maybe a cormorant.

Drive North from Santa Barbara and Goleta on US 101.  2.8 miles past the entrance to Refugio State Park, make a U-turn at the turnaround, watching of oncoming traffic.  Pull into the turnout on the right.  Look for trains, then cross the tracks and carefully walk to the beach.  Make a careful surf entry.

Tajiguas