## Where You Can Go Scuba Diving in California
California’s coastline stretches over 840 miles, offering a wide range of scuba diving destinations. From the kelp forests of Northern California to the warmer waters of Southern California, there are dive sites for all levels of experience.
### Northern California
* **Monterey Bay:** Located in central California, Monterey Bay is known for its abundant marine life, including sea lions, seals, otters, and whales. There are a number of dive sites in the bay, including the Monterey Canyon, the Pinnacles, and Lover’s Point.
* **San Francisco Bay:** While not as popular as Monterey Bay for scuba diving, San Francisco Bay offers a number of unique dive sites, including the wrecks of the SS Palo Alto and the USS San Francisco.
* **Farallon Islands:** Located about 27 miles west of San Francisco, the Farallon Islands are a group of small islands that are home to a large population of seabirds, seals, and sea lions. The islands are also known for their strong currents, so diving here is only recommended for experienced divers.
### Central California
* **Moss Landing:** Located in Monterey County, Moss Landing is a popular dive site for beginners. The waters are relatively calm and there is a variety of marine life to see, including bat rays, leopard sharks, and cabezon.
* **Big Sur:** The rugged coastline of Big Sur offers a number of dive sites, including the Partington Cove State Marine Conservation Area and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waters here are cold and clear, and there is a variety of marine life to see, including rockfish, lingcod, and seals.
* **San Simeon:** Located in San Luis Obispo County, San Simeon is home to the Hearst Castle State Historical Monument. The waters around the castle are clear and calm, and there is a variety of marine life to see, including sea urchins, abalone, and rock scallops.
### Southern California
* **Catalina Island:** Located about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is a popular destination for scuba diving and other water sports. The waters around the island are clear and warm, and there is a variety of marine life to see, including Garibaldi, sheephead, and lobsters.
* **Channel Islands:** The Channel Islands are a group of eight islands located off the coast of Southern California. The islands are known for their unique marine life, including giant sea bass, white sea bass, and sevengill sharks. Diving in the Channel Islands is only recommended for experienced divers.
* **La Jolla:** Located in San Diego County, La Jolla is a popular dive site for beginners and experienced divers alike. The waters are clear and warm, and there is a variety of marine life to see, including leopard sharks, bat rays, and garibaldi.
### Tips for Scuba Diving in California
* **Get certified:** Before you go scuba diving in California, it is important to get certified by a reputable organization. There are a number of dive shops in California that offer certification courses.
* **Choose the right dive site:** There are a number of dive sites in California, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your level of experience and interests. If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a site with calm waters and a variety of marine life.
* **Bring the right gear:** Be sure to bring all of the necessary scuba diving gear, including a wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, and regulator. You can rent gear from a dive shop if you do not have your own.
* **Be aware of the weather:** The weather in California can change quickly, so it is important to be aware of the forecast before you go diving. If the weather is bad, it is best to cancel your dive.
* **Hire a dive guide:** If you are not familiar with the dive site, it is a good idea to hire a dive guide. A dive guide can help you find the best dive spots and ensure that you stay safe.
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