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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

Open Water Diver Course

Open Water Diver Course

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.) August 18,20,25,& 27Pool Sessions (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.): August 22 & 23Ocean Training – Ocean Monterey August 29 & 30Complete your certification with an unforgettable weekend that includes:4 open water 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, Doug & Tina

High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
August 18, 2026 +7 More
$398.00
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: August 19 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
August 19, 2026
$125.00
 Altitude Diver Specialty Course

Altitude Diver Specialty Course

Altitude Diver Specialty CourseJoin Us for Our Upcoming Altitude Diver Course!Class Begins August 12, 2026 Altitude Dives at Lake Tahoe – August 16, 2026Have you ever wondered how diving at altitude affects your dive planning? When diving at elevations above 1,000 feet, special considerations and corrections must be made to ensure safe and accurate dive planning.In this course, you'll learn why altitude affects diving and how to properly adjust your dive planning before, during, and after your dives. The program includes an evening classroom session and at least two supervised altitude dives.You'll discover why depth gauges and dive tables can provide misleading information at altitude and learn the procedures necessary to compensate for these differences. We will introduce the Albright Altitude Table, a simplified method that eliminates the need to work through multiple tables and complicated calculations.Following the classroom presentation, students will work through practical exercises based on real-world diving situations to build confidence in altitude dive planning.This course is open to all certified divers, regardless of certification agency.Course Topics Include:• Why Altitude Corrections Are Necessary • Physics of Altitude Diving • Arrival Procedures at Altitude • Dive Planning Considerations • After-Dive Procedures • Albright Altitude Table • Dive Tables and Their Use at Altitude • Dive Computers and Altitude Compensation • Computer-Based Altitude Diving • U.S. Navy Dive Tables • SSI Recreational Dive Tables • Other Agency Dive TablesCourse Includes:• One Evening Classroom Session • At Least Two Supervised Altitude Dives (Typically at Lake Tahoe)Course Fees:Altitude Diver Course: $125.00 Digital Training Materials: $69.99 Certification Card: $40.00How to RegisterTo sign up, contact High Sierra Divers by phone, email, or visit our website and select Classes → Altitude Diver to access the online registration form.

High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
August 16, 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

1.1k Sightings
J
22
F
46
M
111
A
142
M
149
J
111
J
64
A
94
S
135
O
112
N
84
D
72

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
74
J
129
J
140
A
117
S
122
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

639 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
1
A
9
M
41
J
95
J
163
A
139
S
113
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

557 Sightings
J
33
F
21
M
58
A
54
M
50
J
66
J
34
A
34
S
71
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

486 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
10
A
18
M
75
J
116
J
140
A
60
S
29
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

356 Sightings
J
1
F
29
M
31
A
39
M
51
J
43
J
61
A
16
S
19
O
34
N
21
D
11
Sea Otter

Sea Otter

262 Sightings
J
17
F
15
M
42
A
62
M
20
J
31
J
16
A
20
S
19
O
7
N
11
D
2
Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish

136 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
2
A
0
M
1
J
18
J
11
A
9
S
7
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

110 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
11
A
0
M
0
J
14
J
2
A
2
S
3
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

86 Sightings
J
0
F
21
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
2
J
33
A
3
S
2
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

57 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
21
M
17
J
0
J
19
A
0
S
0
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

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

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner