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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

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
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:November 116:00 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
November 11, 2026
$125.00
Peace Boat November 16 - 20,2026 Channel Island Adventure Tour

Peace Boat November 16 - 20,2026 Channel Island Adventure Tour

5 Days aboard the Peace * Diving* Photography* Lobster HuntingOne incredible Adventure. Only 18 spotsJoin High Sierra Divers aboard the Peace for 5 unforgettable days exploring California's legendary Channel Islands! This adventure tour is designed for divers who love being underwater, exploring new places, taking amazing photos, and enjoying fun dives with friends- and maybe bringing some lobster home!With a limited load of only 18 divers, this trip gives you a more personal experience & plenty of room to enjoy the adventure.Dive* Explore* Photography* Hunt *Repeat.Over 5 days, you will have the opportunity to experience some incredible Channel Islands diving, with up to 25 dives possible depending on conditions.Choose your adventure each time you hit the water:Underwater PhotographyBring your camera & capture the incredible marine life, kelp forests, reefs, walls, & underwater scenery of the Channel Islands.Fun DivingRelax, explore & enjoy the diving! Discover new dive sites, explore with friends, and experience the amazing underwater world these islands have to offer.Lobster HuntingWhen the sun goes down, the adventure really begins! Grab your dive light & head into the darkness to search for California spiny lobster while experiencing the excitement of night diving.The Channel Islands are waiting! Every dive can be different. Explore dramatic reefs, kelp forests, walls & rock formations while surrounded by an incredible variety of common sights include varieties of sea mammals, sharks, eels, rays, reef fish, rock fish, pelagic fish, garibaldi, lobsters, crabs, nudibranchs, mollusks, giant black sea bass (up to almost 1000lbs), and the many unique residents of the beautiful kelp forests. .5 Days aboard the PeaceYour adventure includes:5 days of diving / exploringup to 25 dives possible, conditions permittingday & night divingOpen berth sccommodations3 meals each daysnacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, & waterPlenty of time to relax, share stories, & enjoy the adventure.This is an adventure tour- not a training tourThis trip is for open water divers with a minimum of 25 logged cold water dives who are comfortable with boat diving & changing ocean conditions.Don't wait until the last minute!! Spots are limited. Once the 18 spaces are filled, they are gone!!Call High Sierra Divers 530-823-6757

High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
November 16, 2026
$2,499.00

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

1.2k Sightings
J
22
F
46
M
111
A
142
M
153
J
112
J
65
A
95
S
149
O
112
N
85
D
73

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

54 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
4
A
1
M
15
J
4
J
15
A
5
S
7
O
0
N
0
D
2

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

1.3k Sightings
J
74
F
73
M
94
A
91
M
75
J
126
J
140
A
129
S
131
O
115
N
132
D
94

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.: 19

Seal

Seal

571 Sightings
J
33
F
21
M
58
A
54
M
50
J
67
J
34
A
44
S
74
O
62
N
43
D
31

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

503 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
10
A
18
M
75
J
116
J
140
A
75
S
31
O
14
N
7
D
4

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

371 Sightings
J
1
F
29
M
31
A
39
M
52
J
43
J
61
A
21
S
27
O
34
N
21
D
12
Sea Otter

Sea Otter

278 Sightings
J
17
F
15
M
42
A
62
M
21
J
31
J
16
A
21
S
33
O
7
N
11
D
2
Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish

134 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
2
A
0
M
1
J
18
J
11
A
9
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.: 20

Sea Nettle

Sea Nettle

111 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
11
A
0
M
0
J
14
J
2
A
2
S
4
O
22
N
26
D
27

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

97 Sightings
J
0
F
21
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
2
J
33
A
13
S
3
O
0
N
17
D
2

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

62 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
21
M
17
J
0
J
19
A
1
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Carp

Carp

52 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
3
J
29
J
10
A
4
S
5
O
0
N
0
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 22

Cod

Cod

36 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
4
J
0
J
7
A
6
S
7
O
2
N
3
D
3

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner