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 with Callico bass and Garabaldi, some other fish

South of Long Point

Avalon

Gallagher Beach

Sandy bottom with small sharks and some lobster. Various shrimp in the rocks after dark

North west of Avalon

Willow Cove

Best is shallower than 40 feet. Dive thru the kelp forest, and look for lobsters (there are many everywhere !).

SE of Long Point and Moonstone Beach on the frontside of Catalina Island

Torqua Springs

Kelp with Sheepshead and Garaboldi fish

North west from Avalon

Frog Rock

Sandy bottom with Horn Sharks, shovel nose sharks and rays in the sand

South West of Long Point

Moonstone Cove

Sand and rocky bottom. Halibut and rays in the sand with lobsters in the rocks. 

South of Long Point 

White Cove

164 foot motor yacht exploded and sank off Descanso Beach, in December 1930. She is listing to Port in 110 feet of sea water.

Just North of Avalon Harbor

Valiant Wreck is also known as Valiant, Valiant Shipwreck.

Valiant Wreck

Casino Point is one of the most popular dive sites in California and deservingly so.  The city of Avalon has done a great job making the city and Dive Sites very Diver friendly. 

    The Dive Site itself is easily accessible via the stairway leading directly into the water from the walkway.  Once in the water, the surf is usually calm or near calm and visibility is always pretty good (15-100').  Sea life is abundant and generally easily approachable.  You'll find a lot of great photo opportunities at Catalina, so bring a camera if you have one.

   You'll find several small wrecks within easy swimming distance of the stairs and lots of other points of interest throughout the Underwater Park.  My advise is to just Dive and enjoy the view, you'll come across many interesting things on every dive!

Concrete steps and rails right into the water

Casino Point

54' Gaff-rigged schooner. Sunk November 14,1980.

Eastern side of Catalina, immediately outside of Avalon Harbor in front of the Casino. Anchor to the eastern buoy of the Casino diving area.

Suejac Wreck

Dive Hen Rockock with its rock formations and kelp forest. Great lobster hunting in season.

SE of Long Point on the front side of Catalina Island

Hen Rock

Horn sharks, Garaboldi and Halibut in the sand

Just South of Long Point

Pirate's Cove is also known as Pirates Cove.

Gallagher Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Gallagher Beach