Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
All along California's coast, rock reefs, shipwrecks and kelp beds teem with sea creatures
ready for their close-up. Ocean waters are warmest in SoCal, but wetsuits are recommen-
ded for divers year-round.
Local dive shops are your best resource for equipment, guides, instructors and boat
trips. With PADI certification, you can book one-tank boat dives for $65 to $150; reserve
at least a day in advance. To dabble in diving with no previous experience, local outfitters
offer beginners' courses that include basic instruction, followed by a shallow beach or boat
dive, for around $150.
Snorkelers can rent a mask, snorkel and fins from most dive shops or beach concession-
aires for about $20 to $45 per day. If you're going to take the plunge more than once or
twice, it's probably worth buying your own mask and fins. Remember not to touch any-
thing while you're out snorkeling, and never snorkel alone.
Best Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Spots
San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve
is a great place for beginning
divers, while La Jolla Cove (
Click here
)
attracts snorkelers.
More experienced divers and snorkelers steer towards Orange County's Crystal Cove State
Park (
Click here
) and Divers Cove (
Click here
) and the shipwrecks off San Diego's Mission
Beach (
Click here
)
.
Offshore from LA and Ventura, Catalina Island (
Click here
)
and Channel Islands National
Park (
Click here
) are major diving and snorkeling destinations.
With its national marine sanctuary, Monterey Bay (
Click here
)
offers world-renowned diving
and snorkeling, although you'll need a thick wetsuit.
Just south of Monterey, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is another gem for scuba divers
and snorkelers (permit reservations required).
