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.

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    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.

    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

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Sea Lion

    Sea Lion
    962 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    40
    M
    108
    A
    140
    M
    118
    J
    96
    J
    37
    A
    79
    S
    84
    O
    98
    N
    78
    D
    62

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

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    1.1k Sightings
    J
    71
    F
    67
    M
    89
    A
    88
    M
    57
    J
    101
    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

    Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
    Crayfish

    Crayfish
    865 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    1
    M
    11
    A
    9
    M
    32
    J
    96
    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

    Shutterstock-divedog
    Trout

    Trout
    527 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    2
    M
    22
    J
    76
    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

    Alamy-Alex Mustard
    Seal

    Seal
    457 Sightings
    J
    33
    F
    18
    M
    51
    A
    49
    M
    40
    J
    50
    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

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    254 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    23
    M
    22
    A
    35
    M
    43
    J
    28
    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

    iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN
    Bass

    Bass
    245 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    2
    M
    7
    A
    4
    M
    29
    J
    56
    J
    79
    A
    36
    S
    8
    O
    10
    N
    3
    D
    4
    Unsplash-kedar gadge
    Sea Otter

    Sea Otter
    214 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    12
    M
    39
    A
    63
    M
    16
    J
    27
    J
    15
    A
    14
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    10
    D
    0
    AdobeStock-_italo
    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

    Shutterstock_Astridlike
    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

    AdobeStock-Composer.
    Flounder

    Flounder
    70 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    21
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    4
    J
    0
    J
    23
    A
    1
    S
    2
    O
    2
    N
    17
    D
    0

    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.

    Dive Centers

    Dolphin Swim School, Inc.

    Dolphin Swim School, Inc.

    1530 El Camino Ave, 95815 Sacramento, CA - United States
    Pinnacles Dive Center

    Pinnacles Dive Center

    875 Grant Ave, 94945 Novato, CA - United States
    High Sierra Divers

    High Sierra Divers

    217 Palm Ave, 95603 Auburn, CA - United States
    Deep Blue Adventures

    Deep Blue Adventures

    5775 Pacheco Blvd, 94553 Pacheco, CA - United States

    Cal Poly Maritime Academy

    One Morrow Cove, 94590 Vallejo, CA - United States

    Dive Sites

    Sonoma Coast Divers LLC, 94928 Rohnert Park
    Stillwater Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.7)</span>

    Stillwater Cove (★3.7)

    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.
    Sonoma Coast Divers LLC, 94928 Rohnert Park
    Lovers Point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.7)</span>

    Lovers Point (★3.7)

    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.
    Sonoma Coast Divers LLC, 94928 Rohnert Park
    Aumentos Pinnacle <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Aumentos Pinnacle (★4.4)

    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.
    John T. (#2853837)
    Hurricane Bay <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Hurricane Bay (★4.3)

    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.
    Bamboo Reef Dive Centers, 94107 San Francisco
    San Carlos Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    San Carlos Beach (★4.0)

    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.
    Tahoe Dive Center, 89449 Stateline
    Fallen Leaf Lake <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

    Fallen Leaf Lake (★3.9)

    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.
    Tahoe Dive Center, 89449 Stateline
    Rubicon Point <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Rubicon Point (★4.1)

    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!
    High Sierra Divers, 95603 Auburn
    Lester Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

    Lester Beach (★3.9)

    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.
    Mares
    Whaler’s Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Whaler’s Cove (★4.2)

    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.
    Mares
    Point Lobos State Reserve <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Point Lobos State Reserve (★4.2)

    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.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Monastery Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Monastery Beach (★4.2)

    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.
    Scubapro
    Breakwater Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

    Breakwater Cove (★3.9)

    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.
    Mares
    Metridium Fields <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Metridium Fields (★4.1)

    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.
    Scubapro
    Otter Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Otter Cove (★4.1)

    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.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Monterey Bay <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.8)</span>

    Monterey Bay (★3.8)

    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.