Dive Sites - Southern California
Explore Southern California’s Best Dive Sites
Discover the underwater wonders of Southern California with our comprehensive guide to the region’s top dive spots. From the vibrant kelp forests of Orange County to the iconic wrecks and clear waters around Catalina Island, and the hidden gems scattered along the coast, there’s a dive site for every level of diver.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy shore entries or an experienced diver seeking thrilling reef explorations, our detailed listings include location, highlights, and dive features to help you plan your next adventure. Explore colorful marine life, encounter playful sea lions, navigate dramatic underwater canyons, and uncover historic wrecks—right here in Southern California.
Use the tables below to quickly find the perfect dive site by region, see what makes each location unique, and make the most of your underwater experiences along the coast. Your next dive adventure starts here!
Discover the underwater wonders of Southern California with our comprehensive guide to the region’s top dive spots. From the vibrant kelp forests of Orange County to the iconic wrecks and clear waters around Catalina Island, and the hidden gems scattered along the coast, there’s a dive site for every level of diver.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy shore entries or an experienced diver seeking thrilling reef explorations, our detailed listings include location, highlights, and dive features to help you plan your next adventure. Explore colorful marine life, encounter playful sea lions, navigate dramatic underwater canyons, and uncover historic wrecks—right here in Southern California.
Use the tables below to quickly find the perfect dive site by region, see what makes each location unique, and make the most of your underwater experiences along the coast. Your next dive adventure starts here!
Orange County Dive Sites
Legend: 🌿 Kelp / Reef | ⚓ Wreck | 🌊 Cave / Surf-heavy | 🏝 Shore / Beginner-friendly | 🏖 Beach
| 🐠 Dive Site | 📍 Location | ✨ Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🏝Shore / Beginner-friendly Anaheim Bay Breakwater | Near the Naval Base | Easy entry/exits |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Bolsa Chica | State Marine Reserve | Excellent areas |
| 🏖Beach Huntington Beach | Huntington Beach | 9.5 miles of beach |
| 🌊Cave / Surf-heavy Newport Pier | Newport Beach | Canyon areas available to explore |
| 🌊Cave / Surf-heavy "The Wedge" | Newport Beach | Big surf site, better hunting |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Corona Del Mar | Newport Beach | Close to Newport Harbor |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Little Corona | Newport Beach | Part of Corona Del Mar |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Horse Ranch | Crystal Cove | Crystal Cove Dive site |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Crystal Cove Underwater Park | Crystal Cove | Large Underwater Park reserve |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Reef Point/Scotchman's Cove | Crystal Cove | Crystal Cove Dive site |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Corsair | Crystal Cove | Crystal Cove Dive site |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Historic Anchor | Crystal Cove | Crystal Cove Dive site |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Irvine Cove | Laguna Beach | Private, but fun |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach | Private area, but fun to dive |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Crescent Bay (Seal Rock) | Laguna Beach | Come see the sea lions |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Deadman's Reef | Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Shaw's Cove | Laguna Beach | #1 Dive Site in Orange County |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Fisherman's Cove | Laguna Beach | Large Kelp Beds located here |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Diver's Cove | Laguna Beach | Enjoy bat rays and halibuts |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Picnic Beach | Laguna Beach | Healthy Kelp Beds here |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Rocky Beach | Laguna Beach | Just like the name, tons of rock |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Heisler Park | Laguna Beach | Kelp, kelp, kelp |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Main Beach | Laguna Beach | Great place to check out lobsters |
| ⚓Wreck Cleo Street Barge | Laguna Beach | A sunken barge to explore |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Broadway Reef | Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Cress Street | Laguna Beach | Explore some amazing reef areas |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Wood's Cove | Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Moss Point | Laguna Beach | Home to some amazing kelp beds |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Victoria Street | Laguna Beach | Private and fun as can be |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Treasure Island | Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Aliso Beach | Laguna Beach | Big surf, but bigger exploratory areas |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Thousand Steps (Salt Creek) | Laguna Beach | Might be a long walk, but it's great hunting |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Monarch Point | Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Three Arch Bay | Laguna Beach | Enjoy underwater beauty |
LA County / Catalina Dive Sites
Legend: 🌿 Kelp / Reef | ⚓ Wreck | 🌊 Cave / Surf-heavy | 🏝 Shore / Beginner-friendly | 🏖 Beach
| 🐠 Dive Site | 📍 Location | ✨ Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🏖Beach Redondo Beach | Los Angeles County | Easy shore dive |
| 🏝Shore / Beginner-friendly Casino Point | Avalon, Catalina | Popular shore dive, easy entry |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Green Pier | Avalon, Catalina | Abundant fish and kelp |
| 🌊Cave / Surf-heavy Parson's Landing | Catalina Island | Calm waters, beginner-friendly |
| 🌊Cave / Surf-heavy Blue Cavern | Catalina Island | Underwater cave formations |
Other Southern California Dive Sites
Legend: 🌿 Kelp / Reef | ⚓ Wreck | 🌊 Cave / Surf-heavy | 🏝 Shore / Beginner-friendly | 🏖 Beach
| 🐠 Dive Site | 📍 Location | ✨ Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿Kelp / Reef La Jolla Cove | San Diego | Sea lions, kelp beds |
| 🌿Kelp / Reef Point Loma Kelp Beds | San Diego | Strong currents, rich marine life |
| ⚓Wreck Wreck Alley | San Diego | Popular wreck diving site |