California has three beautiful diving regions.

The North coast region is renowned for lush, moist forests of the world's tallest trees, coastal bluffs, secluded coves and wildlife areas. From the pristine beaches and coves of Carmel by the Sea and Monterey Bay, the coastline includes numerous dive locations North of San Francisco, all the way to Mendocino and Crescent City. Each site offers its unique underwater topography and associated marine life.

The California mid region includes diving locations from South of Pt. Lobos State Park (Carmel by the Sea) to Laguna Beach. This long stretch of beautiful beaches can be categorized as open-water diving, with some protected coves and inlets. Capitalizing on optimal weather as well as observing tides and current conditions are crucial to an enjoyable dive experience.

The California South listings include the greater San Diego area (Pt. Loma North to La Jolla) continuing up through Orange County to Laguna Beach. Each ShoreDiving location has unique conditions -- and beauty!

As always, check with your local resources for exact local conditions for the ultimate safe and rewarding dive experience.

California

El Dorado County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

An interesting fresh water altitude dive with excellent visability, there is not much marine life, though the underwater forest is great to see.



Emerald bay is also known as Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay

Emerald bay

This is an interesting fresh water altitude dive with not much marine life, just the occasional lake trout. The things to be careful of here is the depth, the cliff runs from above the water line to an amazing 1500+ feet..



Rubicon Point is also known as Lake Tahoe.

Rubicon Point

60' - 100' Viz! ~800' depth. Giant granite walls and lots of fish. 6,223' above sea level. 40-50 degF, so bring your dry suit! A freshwater, high altitude dive with not much marine life but unbelievable visibility.

Lake Tahoe.  Contacts: Sierra Diving Center 775-825-2147 (Reno) or Adventure Scuba 775-826-5333 (in Reno) or Tropical Penguins 775-828-3483 (Reno) or Strictly Scuba 775-884-3483 (Carson City)

Zephyr Cove, Tahoe

Nice dive sight. Large boulders. Smooth sand bottom. Good area for students.

$8.00 fee to park.

Sand Harbor is also known as Diver's Cove.

Sand Harbor

Sparks Marina

Folsom Lake is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, California which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Folsom Lake

Its 7900 ft elevation with late summer surface temps in the 60's with extreme thermoclines at varying depths. Access to the rocky shores by car are possible if scouted alittle. Visibility after 30ft deep is quite low. Sometimes the surface vis is gin clear. Trout, crawdads are part of the aquatic life. There is a winter closure. 

Dive access to June Lake can be from Hwy 395 to Hwy 158 going west on June Lake Loop. Go into the campground area for beach entry or the Marina for Dock entry or boat use. Diving is all around the Lake. 

June Lake

Doran Beach

Horseshoe Cove

Shallow Lake with cold water...

West of Redding

Whiskeytown Lake



2 miles South of the Historic Park

Fort Ross is also known as Red Barn, Fort Ross Reef Campground.

Fort Ross

Sierra Diving Center is a scuba dive shop based in Reno, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Sierra Diving Center

Fisheye Scuba is a scuba dive shop based in Granite Bay, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Fisheye Scuba

Sac City Scuba staff have been certifying California divers for over 20 years. We are California's only dive center with 100% 5-Star Yelp reviews!

Sac City Scuba

Aquatic Discount Scuba is a scuba dive shop based in Escalon, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Aquatic Discount Scuba

Justin's Scuba Time, Inc is a scuba dive shop based in Stockton, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Justin's Scuba Time, Inc

Aquatic Dreams mission is to help make your diving dreams come true by offering the best training that is available today.  With our 8,000 square foot facility and indoor heated pool, anytime is a great time to start your diving adventure.  We offer exotic dive trips all around the world and local excursions as well.  Our local lakes and the diving in Monterey California are some of the best in the world!  Come see us today and let us help make your diving dreams come true.

Aquatic Dreams

Scuba Hut is a scuba dive shop based in Chico, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Scuba Hut

Pinnacles Dive Center Fairfield is a scuba dive shop based in Fairfield, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Pinnacles Dive Center Fairfield

Pacific Ocean Sports is a scuba dive shop based in Concord, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Pacific Ocean Sports

Anchor Shack is a scuba dive shop based in Pacheco, United States. They are a PADI certified dive shopand offer a variety of dive and snorkel related services, gear, and guided tours.

Emerald bay

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Emerald bay