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Explore California

California offers divers a unique underwater experience, celebrated for its stunning cold-water diving opportunities. The state is renowned for its spectacular kelp forests, where sunlight streams through the swaying kelp, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. These majestic underwater forests are home to an incredible array of marine life, including the playful sea lions, colorful nudibranchs, and the occasional majestic whale. Divers can explore a variety of environments, from vibrant reefs teeming with life to the eerie allure of Wreck Alley. Shore diving in Southern California is particularly popular, with easy access to diverse underwater landscapes. Meanwhile, boat dives and multi-day liveaboard trips offer the chance to discover more remote locations such as the Channel Islands and Catalina Island. Each site presents its own unique charm, whether it's the bustling marine reserves or the historic shipwrecks. Seasonal temperature variations mean divers should be prepared with appropriate gear, like a thick wetsuit or drysuit, especially during cooler months. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, California's dive sites promise a memorable adventure filled with diverse marine encounters and breathtaking natural beauty.

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Enriched Nitrox Course ( up to 40%)

Enriched Nitrox Course ( up to 40%)

SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver CourseTake your diving to the next level with Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN)—one of the most valuable certifications a recreational diver can earn.Nitrox contains a higher percentage of oxygen than standard air, allowing for longer bottom times, reduced fatigue, and shorter surface intervals. It’s no surprise that divers have been safely using Nitrox since the late 1980s—and now it’s your turn to experience the benefits.Course OverviewThis entry-level specialty certification prepares you to safely plan and dive using Enriched Air Nitrox blends from EAN22 to EAN40.Upon successful completion, you will be certified to dive with Nitrox independently and may continue your training with the Advanced Nitrox Upgrade.What You’ll LearnHistory and evolution of Nitrox divingOxygen exposure and safety considerationsBenefits and limitations of EANGas handling and analysis proceduresDive planning using tables and computersEquipment considerations for Nitrox divingPhysics and physiology of enriched airScheduleLecture Session: Sept 23 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM(Please confirm if this date works for you.)Course RequirementsCompletion of course materialsWritten examNo dives required—this is a classroom-based certification.PricingCourse Fee: $125SSI Digital Learning Kit: $99 (Includes certification card; student discount available at $89.99)Optional Hard Card: $25Bundle & SaveEnroll in an Advanced Adventure / Advanced Course along with Nitrox and receive: ✔ $50 off the Advanced course ✔ One complimentary EAN cylinder rental ✔ Additional cylinders available at $20 eachTotal savings: $70Ready to Dive Smarter?Nitrox is one of the easiest ways to extend your dive time and improve your overall diving experience. Spots are limited—secure yours today!

High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
October 21, 2026
$125.00
Master Diver

Master Diver

Earning the rating of SSI Master Diver is the pinnacle of recreational scuba diving. It makes you a better, safer diver and demonstrates your dive capabilities and experience to the world. Put simply, it is one of the most elite ratings in diving today. There are many reasons why every diver should become an SSI Master Diver. Read on for our top 6 reasons to do so and discover how you can start your journey today.How do you become a Master Diver?To earn the prestigious SSI Master Diver rating, you must log at least 50 dives and get certified in a minimum of 5 SSI specialty programs , including SSI Diver Stress and Rescue and the Deep Diving Specialty. Specialty programs are a great way to enhance your dive skills and begin your journey to become a Master Diver. With over 20 specialties to choose from, we have plenty of programs to meet your dive interests and needs. CHOOSE FROM OVER 20 SSI SPECIALTY PROGRAMS.6 Great reasons to become a Master Diver.1. Join the best of the best.Earning the SSI Master Diver rating is not exactly easy. It takes time and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it!The time you spend in the water will hone your dive skills to perfection and make you a confident diver who can handle a variety of scenarios and dive conditions. By the time you earn this rating, you will be among the elite 2% of divers that do so. If you want to work your way up to be the best possible diver without going pro, become a Master Diver.2. Learn New Skills.Since one of the requirements to become a Master Diver is to earn at least five specialty diver certifications, you will undoubtedly learn new skills. Since four of the five needed specialty certifications can be in any of the SSI specialty programs, you have many underwater skills to choose from.You can learn to take underwater photos, go night diving and drysuit diving , or discover more about the aquatic environment in one of the SSI Ecology programs. Your options are seemingly endless!3. Become a Safer Diver.One of the five required specialty certifications to become an SSI Master Diver is Diver Stress & Rescue. This program alone will significantly increase your diving safety, as you learn about how to prevent and resolve diving accidents.Combined with the number of required dives and time spent with an SSI instructor achieving the necessary specialties, you will unquestionably be safer and more skilled in all areas of diving.4. Help other divers.With your new dive and rescue skills, you will be well equipped to help other divers in need. Whether your buddies have a question about diving or need help in the water, you can be there for them.Earning this recognition level is a rewarding way to contribute to your dive community and help other divers to thrive.5. Explore the world.You will put a lot of time and effort into becoming a Master Diver and will discover a world of diving opportunities along the way. Whether you complete your training and dives close to home or overseas, it is the best adventure.As you do your training, you will discover new dive sites, new dive styles and make lifelong friends. READ MORE: 10 DIVE LOCATIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE.6. Bragging Rights!You will join the ranks of elite divers when you achieve the Master Diver rating. That is something to celebrate and you will have earned bragging rights amongst your dive buddies!Logging 50 dives and completing five SSI certifications is no simple task. You should be proud of the hard work and dedication you invest in the sport of scuba diving. Make all of your dive buddies jealous with this prestigious recognition.How to become a Master Diver.So, whether you are looking for a great way to become a better, safer diver or just want the right to claim yourself as the best diver amongst your fellow diving peers, now is a great time to become an SSI Master Diver.What are you waiting for? C

Catalina Scuba, 1 Casino Way, 90704, Avalon, CA, USA
October 22, 2026 +3 More
$1,526.00

Dive Activity

Diving in California

California offers a diverse range of diving experiences that captivate dive travelers. Among the top dive sites are the Channel Islands, renowned for their vibrant kelp forests and abundant marine life. Wreck diving enthusiasts will find allure in the Yukon, an artificial reef off San Diego, providing a hauntingly beautiful underwater landscape. For shore dives, La Jolla Cove is a prime spot, offering easy access and the chance to spot playful sea lions and colorful Garibaldi fish. Unique underwater experiences abound in California, with night dives revealing the bioluminescence of plankton and the nocturnal activities of marine creatures. Dive travelers can enjoy a balance between shore diving options, like Monterey Bay's rich biodiversity, and liveaboard adventures to more remote locations like the Farallon Islands. Whether exploring sunken ships or admiring the coastal marine life, California's dive sites promise unforgettable underwater journeys.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in California

California offers diverse diving conditions throughout the year, with opportunities available across various seasons. During the summer, water temperatures average around 17°C/63°F, leading to warmer and more comfortable dives. Winter temperatures drop to about 13°C/55°F, requiring thicker wetsuits or drysuits. Visibility can range from 3 to 30 meters/10 to 98 feet depending on location and conditions, with clearer waters often found in offshore sites.

Diving is possible year-round; however, certain factors can affect the experience. Winter months can bring stronger winds and currents, impacting surface conditions and visibility. Spring and fall are popular for their calmer seas and moderate temperatures. Overall, while diving is feasible at any time, divers should consider local weather patterns and coastal conditions when planning their trips for the best experience.

Top Wildlife Sightings in California

California's waters are teeming with marine life, making it a diver's paradise. Common reef fish include the bright orange Garibaldi and the colorful California sheephead, both easily spotted around kelp forests. These areas also host schools of blacksmith fish and opaleye, providing an animated underwater environment year-round.

Seasonal highlights in California include sightings of leopard sharks and bat rays, especially during the warmer months along sandy bottoms and coastal shallows. Sea turtles, though less common, can occasionally be encountered in Southern California waters, while hammerhead sharks make rare appearances in summer. Divers might also be lucky to spot the majestic giant sea bass, a notable species often seen near reefs and wrecks.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7

Sea Lion

Sea Lion

3.2k Sightings
J
121
F
163
M
236
A
252
M
305
J
326
J
368
A
384
S
377
O
306
N
233
D
164

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

1.2k Sightings
J
61
F
69
M
69
A
83
M
95
J
55
J
157
A
143
S
185
O
134
N
104
D
61

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

625 Sightings
J
11
F
22
M
34
A
28
M
45
J
52
J
101
A
121
S
66
O
65
N
46
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

279 Sightings
J
19
F
9
M
23
A
12
M
10
J
29
J
48
A
68
S
23
O
16
N
16
D
6
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

123 Sightings
J
7
F
15
M
12
A
6
M
13
J
16
J
16
A
11
S
6
O
6
N
8
D
7
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish

4.8k Sightings
J
153
F
187
M
224
A
260
M
352
J
561
J
709
A
853
S
613
O
444
N
301
D
141

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

4k Sightings
J
163
F
226
M
207
A
351
M
388
J
397
J
527
A
445
S
397
O
417
N
269
D
197

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

1.9k Sightings
J
100
F
86
M
138
A
90
M
111
J
187
J
226
A
229
S
222
O
287
N
145
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

1.8k Sightings
J
55
F
39
M
109
A
75
M
89
J
105
J
252
A
270
S
275
O
327
N
134
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

1.2k Sightings
J
48
F
91
M
62
A
69
M
92
J
94
J
166
A
130
S
130
O
121
N
81
D
77

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

1.1k Sightings
J
40
F
85
M
63
A
112
M
126
J
95
J
141
A
129
S
98
O
117
N
85
D
55

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

1.1k Sightings
J
16
F
29
M
23
A
79
M
90
J
101
J
175
A
227
S
150
O
103
N
53
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Seal

Seal

952 Sightings
J
51
F
34
M
87
A
66
M
62
J
91
J
94
A
121
S
120
O
109
N
72
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 35

Trout

Trout

685 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
1
A
7
M
41
J
95
J
164
A
169
S
130
O
65
N
7
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Flounder

Flounder

535 Sightings
J
15
F
45
M
15
A
13
M
33
J
58
J
98
A
87
S
60
O
50
N
42
D
19

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Bass

Bass

533 Sightings
J
8
F
6
M
13
A
25
M
76
J
119
J
143
A
78
S
37
O
15
N
9
D
4
Sea Otter

Sea Otter

285 Sightings
J
17
F
17
M
43
A
62
M
21
J
32
J
16
A
23
S
34
O
7
N
11
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

283 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
8
A
16
M
27
J
24
J
51
A
27
S
45
O
48
N
31
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pipefish

Pipefish

230 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
14
A
14
M
0
J
14
J
49
A
37
S
50
O
35
N
17
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Guitarfish

Guitarfish

200 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
11
A
24
M
26
J
16
J
31
A
48
S
15
O
22
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

157 Sightings
J
6
F
11
M
14
A
11
M
12
J
18
J
17
A
22
S
24
O
5
N
4
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

151 Sightings
J
11
F
4
M
3
A
17
M
7
J
5
J
5
A
19
S
33
O
21
N
14
D
12
Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish

150 Sightings
J
6
F
5
M
2
A
1
M
11
J
19
J
11
A
10
S
5
O
23
N
22
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

137 Sightings
J
5
F
10
M
9
A
10
M
21
J
15
J
7
A
10
S
16
O
10
N
7
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

123 Sightings
J
4
F
11
M
9
A
7
M
16
J
15
J
19
A
10
S
11
O
6
N
5
D
10

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Underwater Beginner