California Diving

Scuba diving in California

California offers lots of great dives to explore and spectacular marine life. California's dive sites include beaches, coves and some of the most impressive kelp forests in the world. The more adventurous diver will be able to do some deep dives here in great visibility as well as wreck diving. The diversity of dive sites makes this region suitable for all levels of divers.

Always dive according to your level of training.
Never enter the water without checking with California dive centers for safety, additional information, level required for each dive site and without being accompanied by a professional.
All the information provided is purely informative for our readers and shouldn't be used as is to plan your immersion.
 

Climate
Average annual temperature: Vary from 11° C to 14° C in winter months and 20°C and 28°C in the summer months (52 °F to 58°F and 69° F and 83° F).
Average Water surface temperature: From 22° C to 24° C (72°F to 75°F).
Visibility often between 10-20 meters.
Coldest time: December-January
Warmest time: August-July
Possible to dive all year round.

California diving boasts more than 60 dive sites. There are deep, shallow and wrecks dive sites. Its beautiful reefs and kelp forests attract snorkelers and scuba fans. California dive sites are home to many kinds of sea life, like sea lions and many other kinds of marine mammals. Come to see whales and halibut visit Los Angeles area in their migration seasons.

The Monterey and San Francisco dives are simply excellent. Monterey Bay national marine sanctuary attracts loads of divers every year. There's excellent shore diving here but boat dives are available if you want to go further out. Monterey Bay boasts beautiful kelp forests, nice underwater canyons and pinnacles. The marine life is also diverse and includes harbor seals, sea stars, colourful fish and eels. Sharks, dolphins, otters and sea lions can also be spotted here.

The San Francisco Bay area offers both shore and boat diving. Underwater photographers will enjoy the huge diversity of aqua life in this area. The famous kelp forests are home to many kinds of small fish.

Southern California is famous for its beautiful and varied islands. Catalina Island, Santa Barbra Island and San Clement Island are part of the Channel Islands. These Islands have beautiful ship wrecks and reef sites all teeming with marine life.

Santa Barbara Island is known for the sea lions inhabiting it. There are so many sea lions here, the largest colony in the whole state. They are very noisy, in fact you can locate the Sea Lion Rookery just by following the noise! Santa Barbara's diving is not only about sea lions, there are lots of great dive sites here like the Black Cavern which has an abundance of marine life and Shag Rock well known for its kelp growth.

Wreck lovers have a lot to see as well. The coastline is littered with interesting wrecks which present different diving challenges. Among the wrecks you will find Spanish colonial era ships to modern day ships. However, before going wreck diving , make sure you get enough information from the local operators and that you are accompanied by a certified guide.