Explore Northern California

Northern California offers divers a truly unique underwater experience, defined by its rugged coastline and chilly waters. The region's diverse marine environments include stunning rocky reefs, sheer walls, and historic wrecks, each teeming with a variety of marine life. Divers can expect encounters with playful sea lions, colorful nudibranchs, and the majestic giant Pacific octopus, all set against a backdrop of vibrant kelp forests swaying in the currents.

Dive sites such as Glass Beach and Caspar Bay reveal hidden treasures, with sea-glass laden shores and mesmerizing rock formations. Gerstle Cove provides an ideal environment for both beginners and seasoned divers, while Breakwater Cove is a popular spot for shore dives. Given the area's cooler temperatures, a drysuit is recommended to fully appreciate the beauty below the surface. Northern California's dive sites offer a charming and adventurous experience that's sure to captivate any diver.

Upcoming Events

  • Open Water Diver Course

    Open Water Diver Course

    You’re just one step away from becoming a certified diver—and we’d love to have you join us!Our SSI Open Water Diver Course is designed to be fun, supportive, and confidence-building, giving you everything you need to safely explore the underwater world.A $50 deposit secures your spot, and classes are kept small—so reserving early is the best way to guarantee your place.Your Course ScheduleClassroom (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.): July14,16,21 & 23Pool Sessions (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.): July 18 & 19Ocean Training – Tahoe ( July 25 & 26)Complete your certification with an unforgettable weekend that includes:4 Lake dives1 snorkel divePlus, you’ll receive a FREE Dive Computer Class (a $125 value) to help you dive with confidence.Course PricingCourse Fee: $398 (Includes classroom instruction, pool sessions, and instructor-led open water dives)Personal Gear Package (required): $289 – $499 (Mask, snorkel, fins, boots, gloves & cutting devices)Plus mouthpieces for regulators. ➤ Receive a $100 rebate when gear is purchased through High Sierra Divers.Digital Learning Materials: $159.99 Normally $180.99 (SSI digital book, dive tables, certification card, and logbook)Rental Gear for Open Water Dives: Special rental rate when you purchase your basic gear for HSD.We provide all scuba gear for pool sessions, and rental gear is available for your ocean dives.Why Choose Us?✔ Small class sizes for personalized instruction ✔ Experienced, professional instructors ✔ Focus on safety, confidence, and enjoyment ✔ Ongoing support—even after certificationAdditional InformationMinimum age: 12 years and olderCourse duration: Approximately 2 weeksSmall group instruction focused on safety and confidenceReady to Get Started?Create your SSI Diver profile and connect with us here: https://www.divessi.com/en/homeOr simply reply to this email, call, or stop by the shop—we’ll take care of the rest.This is more than just a class—it’s the beginning of a lifetime of adventure. Don’t wait too long… spots fill quickly, and we’d love to see you in this upcoming session!Best regards,

    High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
    July 14, 2026 +7 More
    $398.00
    Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

    Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

    SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver CourseExtend your dive time, shorten your surface intervals and spend more time exploring the dive sites you love, with the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty certification program.In this class, you will learn how to set your dive computer for Nitrox, determine the MOD of various Nitrox mixes, and test a Nitrox tank for its oxygen percentage. There are no required ocean or pool dives for a Nitrox class.As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge while learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen.Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.Take 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: ???? July 22 ???? 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!Contact:

    High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
    July 22, 2026
    $125.00

    Dive Activity

    Diving in Northern California

    Northern California offers a diverse array of dive sites, catering to both novice and experienced divers. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a popular spot for shore dives, featuring the iconic Breakwater, where divers can explore kelp forests and encounter sea lions and otters. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving options ensures accessibility for all preferences.

    Wreck enthusiasts will appreciate the SS Palo Alto, a unique concrete ship located at Seacliff State Beach, while Point Lobos offers a more secluded dive experience with its rich marine biodiversity and striking underwater topography. For those seeking unique experiences, night dives at Monterey's Cannery Row reveal nocturnal marine life and the captivating bioluminescence of the bay's waters.

    Dive Centers

    Dive Sites

    The best Months to dive in Northern California

    Northern California offers year-round diving opportunities, although conditions can vary significantly by season. During the summer, water temperatures typically range from 13°C–16°C/55°F–61°F, while winter temperatures can drop to 10°C–12°C/50°F–54°F. Visibility is often best in the fall, reaching up to 15 meters/49 feet, but can be reduced to as low as 3 meters/10 feet in spring due to plankton blooms.

    Weather factors like coastal winds and currents significantly affect diving conditions. The region experiences higher winds and stronger currents in spring, which can impact dive plans. While diving is possible throughout the year, late summer and early fall are generally considered the most favorable periods due to calmer seas and clearer visibility, making them ideal for planning dives.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Northern California

    Northern California's marine life is rich and diverse, attracting divers with its unique ecosystem. Common reef fish in these waters include rockfish and lingcod, often seen near kelp forests and rocky reefs. These species are abundant throughout the year and provide a vibrant underwater spectacle.

    Seasonal highlights for divers include sightings of leopard sharks and bat rays, especially during the warmer months, when they frequent shallow waters. Sea turtles, although less common, can occasionally be spotted migrating through the region. Divers should visit during the late summer to early fall for the best chance to encounter these fascinating creatures.

    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

    991 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    40
    M
    108
    A
    142
    M
    139
    J
    102
    J
    37
    A
    79
    S
    85
    O
    98
    N
    77
    D
    62

    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

    44 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    3
    A
    1
    M
    13
    J
    4
    J
    11
    A
    5
    S
    2
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    3

    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

    1.1k Sightings
    J
    71
    F
    67
    M
    89
    A
    88
    M
    68
    J
    109
    J
    114
    A
    98
    S
    87
    O
    103
    N
    127
    D
    84

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

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    Crayfish

    Crayfish

    881 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    1
    M
    11
    A
    9
    M
    30
    J
    114
    J
    136
    A
    253
    S
    199
    O
    79
    N
    44
    D
    2

    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

    545 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    2
    M
    21
    J
    95
    J
    109
    A
    139
    S
    105
    O
    63
    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.: 19

    Seal

    Seal

    462 Sightings
    J
    33
    F
    18
    M
    51
    A
    51
    M
    41
    J
    52
    J
    25
    A
    29
    S
    46
    O
    49
    N
    43
    D
    24

    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

    265 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    23
    M
    22
    A
    35
    M
    47
    J
    35
    J
    38
    A
    7
    S
    4
    O
    29
    N
    19
    D
    5

    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

    246 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    2
    M
    7
    A
    4
    M
    29
    J
    57
    J
    79
    A
    36
    S
    8
    O
    10
    N
    3
    D
    4
    Sea Otter

    Sea Otter

    215 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    12
    M
    39
    A
    63
    M
    17
    J
    27
    J
    15
    A
    14
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    10
    D
    0
    Moon Jellyfish

    Moon Jellyfish

    128 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    2
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    16
    J
    11
    A
    9
    S
    9
    O
    20
    N
    22
    D
    33

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

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    Sea Nettle

    Sea Nettle

    96 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    10
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    13
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    24
    N
    23
    D
    23

    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

    71 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    21
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    4
    J
    1
    J
    23
    A
    1
    S
    2
    O
    2
    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.: 1900

    Starfish

    Starfish

    33 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    19
    M
    14
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    Curated by Interest

    Events by Lifestyle Category

    Underwater Beginner