Name: Cape Cortes
Rating: 5.0

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

Rays, kelp, gorgonians, Horn Sharks

West of Cat Harbor

Two Harbors

Cape Cortes

Kelp sea Lions and occasional pelagics. Abalone and lobster

West of Cat Harbor

Kelp Point

Kelp and fish.

Just outside Cat harbor. West End Catalina

Lobster Bay

Sheepshead, garaboldi pelagics, sea bass

ast of Cat Harbor

Ribbon Rock

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

Sandy bottom and kelp in the rocks

West of Ismus Cove

Big Geiger Cove is also known as Geiger Cove.

Big Geiger Cove

Sandy bottom with halibut and Rays

Northwestern side of Ismus Cove

Fourth of July Cove

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

Kelp and Kelp fishes, Garaboldi

Western side of Ismus Cove

Lions Head is also known as Lion Head.

Lions Head

Kelp, sea lions and Harbor seals with many fish

Northwest of Cat Harbor

Iron Bound Cove is also known as Iron Bound Bay.

Cape Cortes

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Cape Cortes