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

Mostly dive training

North end of Heisler Park

Laguna Beach

Picnic Beach

nudibranchs, Garibaldi, sheepshead and Sea Lions

Center of Heisler Park

Monument Point

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.

Diver's Cove

Sea lions, Nudibranchs, sea Stars

Southern end of Heisler Park

Rock Pile



Along the 600 block of Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach.

Fisherman's Cove

Invertebrates, Garaboldi Sheepshead, sea Stars

North End of Main Beach

Bird Rock

More rocky coastline and spectacular canyons await you at Shaw's cove.  The diving is a breeze during good sea conditions.

Make a left on Fairview Street about 3/4 mile North of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna.  The entrance is at the intersection with Cliff.

Shaws Cove

Sandy bottom with Rays and sand sharks

Direct from beach

Great reef and tide pool when waves are low. Added point of interest is Seal Rock, just west of the reef. Here many Harbor seals can be observed sunning themselves, and if your lucky, you may have find some playful seal waiting below the surface. A favorite dive. 



Crescent 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

Watch for boat traffic in the area. 

Dead Man's can be hard to find. It requires a good half-hour surface swim headed south from the end of Crescent cove.

Picnic Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Picnic Beach