The state of California stretches from the Mexican border to the Pacific Ocean for nearly 900 miles. The geography of the state is diverse, from cliff-side beaches to the redwood forest in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Central Valley farmland and the Mojave Desert make for ideal diving sites. Hollywood is the state’s biggest city, while San Francisco is known for its cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
If you’re a seasoned scuba diver, this is the place to go. The Pacific Ocean is one of the deepest places in the world, which encourages upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. The resulting kelp forest is a rich and diverse habitat. Although the topography is typically a wall with a seemingly endless bottom, it’s still possible to spot leopard sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.
If you’re an experienced diver, the waters off of Southern California are warm and offer great scuba diving. The lack of tropical coral reefs and warmer temperatures makes the region’s scuba diving sites unique, but it’s still worth it. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, consider taking a trip to Catalina Island, which is 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles.
For an adventurous, yet safe dive, California’s coastline is a prime location. Many areas along the California coastline offer abundant marine life, making this a great destination for experienced divers. You can swim with seals, see large schools of fish, and even get up close to humpback whales. These are just a few of the many reasons why diving in California is so popular.
The state’s coastal waters are home to a number of different species. You can find Great White sharks in the state’s offshore waters, and coral reefs, kelp forests, and sea lions are common among these waters. A trip to the Channel Islands will give you the chance to see a lot of California’s wildlife while scuba diving.
Monterey Bay: The Monterey Bay is home to some of the most spectacular scuba diving destinations in the country. The kelp forests in this area are the most famous in the world, and humpback whales are a common sight. The islands are popular with eco-tourists and scuba enthusiasts. The San Francisco coastline is the best place to scuba dive in California.
Several popular dive sites are located in southern California. The La Jolla dive site is the most popular and offers excellent visibility and clean water. The San Clemente Channel is ideal for advanced open water dive courses and is also a great place to scuba dive in the Channel Islands. Besides the San Francisco diving, there are some other popular dive destinations in southern California.