California Diving

[Dida]

Am planning to visit California for a month and i was wondering is it a worthy place for diving, shall i take my diving equipments?

[Jack]

You'll find many great places to dive and explore the waters for spectacular marine life. Beaches and coves have a wealth of marine life. California has some of the richest kelp beds in the world. For high altitude dives and deep dives with the visibility of the Caribbean, California gives you Lake Tahoe in the middle of the high Sierras.
They have three regions in California Northern, Central, and Southern. i have been to the northern, i will give u a brief about the dive sites there.

2. Bodega Bay: Great for the Non-diver this old sea town is a place that everyone should see at least once.
3. Ft Ross: Easy access to cove by pave road. For better diving stay on the North side of Cove. In the early 1900's a boat was sunk some of the remains are still in the Cove. Depths 10 - 45 ft. For non- divers try the touring the restored Russian Fort.
4. Timber Cove: Large protected Cove reached by private drive only. A fee may be charged but boat launching is available this is a nice quite spot for scuba diving. Depths 10 - 45 ft.
5. Stillwater Cove: Protected Cove with easy access to beach. Boat launching available with kelp beds not far off shore. Depths 15 - 80 ft.
6. Ocean Cove: Access to this Cove is by fee only from Ocean Cove grocery store. Nice campgrounds for divers and non-divers with full facilities available. Close to shore holds thick kelps beds for diving in. Depth 10 - 50 ft.
7. Salt Point: A great dive spots for the Naturalist and Photographer on the North Coast. A Cove that is well protected and is also a Marine Reserve. Kelp beds are rich in Marine life. Depths 10 - 60 ft.
8. Stump Beach, Mill Cove:
9. Gualala Point: Access to this can be tuff and it is exposed to the surf and surge occasionally this site is okay. Depths 10 -50 ft.
10. Pt. Arena: Here you get intermittent spots to access the water and they're a colorful reef to be found here. Diving should be done only when condition are good. Watch for the under tow and heavy surf. Depths 10 - 50 ft.
11. Elk: This site is only occasionally good, but remember the surf plays big part for all those wishing to dive. Depths 20 -50 ft.
12. Van Damme: Small pebble beach protected from heavy surf. This site holds a rocky bottom covered with green anemones, which are better seen on the ocean side of the keyhole rock. Theirs an extensive reef in this area. Depths 10 -45 ft.
13. Russian Gulch: Here you will find a large sinkhole where a cavern roof collapsed. Cool to see but the surf is heavy. Now the beginner diver under the bridge is easier to access with a wide verify of marine life. Depths 10 - 40 ft.
14. Noyo Harbor: Sheltered coastline and has some interesting under water habitats. Site is also close to MacKerricher State Park. Depths 10 - 40 ft.
15. Rock Port: Demanding dive site that is very exposed to the ocean with heavy surf and under tow. Rough area here. Depths 30 - 60 ft.
16. Samoan: Another demanding site due to exposure to the open ocean. Heavy surf and strong under tow. Marine life here is vast and colorful but hard to get to. Depths 20 -60 ft.
17. Trinidad HD. & Bay: Relics can be found here and there are several marine lads in the area this site is well worth a visit. Depths 10 - 50 ft.
18. Crescent City: Here you have a nice beach to dive from. Visibility varies through out the area and make sure you check with the local authorities before attempting your dive.

I think you shall gear up before u go, have a nice trip.