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

Instructor Evaluation

Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Instructor Evaluation - IE

21 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions
• Lead confined water training
• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more
• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more.
Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

High Sierra Divers

Advanced Open Water Diver

24 Nov 2025

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Open Water Diver

24 Nov 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Stillwater Cove

Gentle beach access into a southwest facing cove. Usually protected from northern swells. 250-300 yards large rocks with wall type environment dropping +50 ft. Unloading parking located at entrance to cove, park in Stillwater Cove Campground Day Use Parking Area. Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ are on beach.

518
Logs
126
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lovers Point

Nice sand entry leading to a mostly protected dive site. Straight out from the beach, you will run across ridges of rock with plenty of fish life. To the north, you will see pinnacles. Depth is moderate for the whole site.

466
Logs
272
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Aumentos Pinnacle

The highest point of Aumentos Pinnacle is around 40 feet. The rock on the offshore side is a steep, granite wall that drops vertically to about 60 feet and then more slowly to 80 to 85 feet. The inshore side the reef drops off in steps to 50 to 55 feet and remains at this depth until one encounters Chase Reef.

63
Logs
41
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Hurricane Bay

The highway is just right along this beach, making this spot easy to find and park at. There is a shelf which drops into quite deeper water quickly.

662
Logs
196
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ San Carlos Beach

San Carlos offers an easy entry beach dive along with all the amenities including two dive shops within walking distance, plenty of parking, bathrooms, and showers.

12,631
Logs
2,986
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is at 6,300 feet in elevation, is about 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe and it offers another option for altitude diving in the Tahoe Basin.

24
Logs
11
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Rubicon Point

Rubicon point is accessible by boat or off shore from Lester Beach near D.L. Bliss State Park. Parking would be $10 cash only. Or call us at the shop to set up a boat tour!

172
Logs
94
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lester Beach

Lester Beach near D.L. Bliss State Park, $10 cash only for parking. Then find yourself on the beach for a shore dive. There is a shelf that you can drop off, and offers part of the Rubicon Wall.

138
Logs
64
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Whaler’s Cove

Whaler’s Cove is the most popular dive location in Point Lobos, offering unbelievably rich and pristine walls, pinnacles, and kelp forests. The cove itself is only about 30 feet deep, making it a great spot for snorkeling and beginning divers.

220
Logs
107
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Point Lobos State Reserve

Bluefish Cove is the best area of Point Lobos to dive and is accessible either by a long swim from the ramp around the corner into the cove or by hoping on the once-a-month boat charter that will take divers straight to the cove to dive.

560
Logs
235
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Monastery Beach

N. Monastery Beach. High sand dune, strong pounding waves, and loose gravel. Enter from the North side, stay on the outside of the wash rock, follow kelp outline and dive in about 30-40 feet of water. Take a 350 degree heading and arrive at the beginning of the trench. Follow the contour line at any depth.

649
Logs
289
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Breakwater Cove

The Breakwater is a very popular dive site for Open Water classes with its calm water, easy entry, and protection from ocean swell. It is a fairly short walk from your car to the water and there is a dive shop within walking distance for air fills.

6,734
Logs
1,730
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Metridium Fields

Metridiums are pure white anemones that look like flowers on a stalk. The Metridium Field is a group of rocky outcroppings covered with Metridiums. Navigation is done by following a large pipe until it ends and then heading due north for a short distance will take you to the Metridium Field.

476
Logs
291
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Otter Cove

Easy shore entry. Can get rough if the swell is coming from the wrong direction. Lots of kelp straight out from the beach. Easy navigation out and back, and once in the kelp it is nice to run along the edges.

75
Logs
49
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Monterey Bay

All of Monterey Bay is considered a marine sanctuary and attracts thousands of divers every year from all over the world. Dive sites are scattered all along the bay with plenty of easy entry sites for newer divers and deeper water close to shore for more experienced divers.

1,327
Logs
490
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Bamboo Reef Dive Centers

584 Fourth St, 94107 San Francisco, CA - USA

Bamboo Reef Dive Centers

614 Lighthouse Ave, 93940 Monterey, CA - USA

Dolphin Swim School, Inc.

1530 El Camino Ave, 95815 Sacramento, CA - USA

Sonoma Coast Divers

5702 Commerce Blvd., 94928 Rohnert Park, CA - USA

Cal Poly Maritime Academy

One Morrow Cove, 94591 Vallejo, CA - USA

Pinnacles Dive Center

875 Grant Ave, 94945 Novato, CA - USA

Deep Blue Adventures

5775 Pacheco Blvd, 94553 Pacheco, CA - USA

High Sierra Divers

217 Palm Ave, 95603 Auburn, CA - USA