San Diego Scuba & Freediving
Welcome to Dive California!
We lead guided tours of San Diego’s best dive sites and offer courses in scuba diving and freediving.
Guided Dives in San Diego
Venture into a kelp forest and explore the beautiful reefs and dazzling sea caves in La Jolla.
Freediving Courses
Learn to explore the ocean with nothing but the air in your lungs. We offer Beginner, Advanced, and Master freediving courses in San Diego.
Private / Semi-Private Scuba Courses
We only offer private and semi-private scuba courses so you’ll have the best training experience possible. Enjoy small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and more personalized guidance from your instructor.
We’re All About
Safety and Comfort
Whether you’re taking a diving course or guided scuba tour , our main goal – always – is to help you enjoy every second you spend in the water.
At Dive California, we always give you:
- High-quality, reliable equipment
- Small group and class sizes
- Personalized instruction and patience
We Practice Sustainable Eco-Tourism
- We’re a small business, locally-owned and operated
- We educate our divers about San Diego’s unique marine habitats and why they should be preserved and protected
- We make sure our courses and guided dives leave minimal to no environmental impact
Captain of the Ship: Michael Timm
Michael is a scuba, freediving, and emergency first response instructor with decades of teaching experience.
Michael is an instructor-of-instructors , with certifications as:
- PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer
- PADI IDC Staff Instructor
- SSI Instructor Trainer
- SSI Level 3 Freediving Instructor
- RAID Instructor Trainer
- Military Water Competency Instructor
- Trauma-Informed Aquatic Specialist
Michael began his professional diving career in the German Navy as a combat diver. Afterward he managed dive operations at dive resorts all over the world before making landfall in San Diego.
He has over 35 years of teaching experience, and over 20 years experience working with physically and cognitively-impaired people – including military personnel and veterans that have been injured in combat. He also trains lifeguard teams and conducts specialized water competency training for special forces members.
In his free time, Michael enjoys trail running and underwater photography!
dive_california
🧜♀️🧜♂️ PADI, SSI Freediving School Courses & Training from Beginner to Instructor Guided Scuba Tours at La Jolla Cove 🌴 San Diego, California
#spinylobster #lobsterfestival #lobsterfestival #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#lajollacave #clamcave #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#sealionscuba #divewithsealions #californiasealions #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#lajollakelp #kelpdiving #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#hornshark #garibaldi #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#stingray #stingrayincave #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#californiasealion #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#lajollabeach #scrippspier #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#lajollacove #sandiegoscubatours #padiscuba #divecalifornia #divecaliforniascubatours #divecaliforniakelpdiving #scubalajolla #divelajollacove #scubalife #divesocal #padi #ssi #padidiving #paditv #gonescuba #divewithsealions #girlsthatscuba #guysthatscuba #underwaterphotography #underwatervideo #michaeltimmscuba #michaeltimmdiving #padiinstructors #scubaart #scubatravel #scubasandiego #sandiegodivetours #scubatherapy #scuba4ptsd ...
#guitarfish #snorkellajolla #freediving #padifreediving #freedivingsandiego #freedivelajollacove #freedivinglife #freedivingart #uwphotography #uwvideo #girlsthatfreedive #sandiegofreedivers#freedivingphotos #apneafreediving #apneawomen #socalfreedivers #michaeltimmfreediving #freeimmersion freedivingwithsealions #paditv #padifreedivingcourses #padifreedivinginstructors #padifredivinginstructorcourse ...
#freediving #padifreediving #freedivingsandiego #freedivelajollacove #freedivinglife #freedivingart #uwphotography #uwvideo #girlsthatfreedive #sandiegofreedivers#freedivingphotos #apneafreediving #apneawomen #socalfreedivers #michaeltimmfreediving #freeimmersion freedivingwithsealions #paditv #padifreedivingcourses #padifreedivinginstructors #padifredivinginstructorcourse ...
#breathup #freediving #padifreediving #freedivingsandiego #freedivelajollacove #freedivinglife #freedivingart #uwphotography #uwvideo #girlsthatfreedive #sandiegofreedivers#freedivingphotos #apneafreediving #apneawomen #socalfreedivers #michaeltimmfreediving #freeimmersion freedivingwithsealions #paditv #padifreedivingcourses #padifreedivinginstructors #padifredivinginstructorcourse ...
#freedivingrescueskillpractice #freediving #padifreediving #freedivingsandiego #freedivelajollacove #freedivinglife #freedivingart #uwphotography #uwvideo #girlsthatfreedive #sandiegofreedivers#freedivingphotos #apneafreediving #apneawomen #socalfreedivers #michaeltimmfreediving #freeimmersion freedivingwithsealions #paditv #padifreedivingcourses #padifreedivinginstructors #padifredivinginstructorcourse ...
- Prices & Hours
- Book a Tour
- Gear Reservations & Gear Rentals
- Dive Lights
- Guided Dives
SCUBA CLASSES
La Jolla Cove
SCUBA TOURS
Seven Gill Shark
SCUBA RENTALS
Tuna Crabs and Stingray
SCUBA DIVING SAN DIEGO & LA JOLLA
Scuba classes – scuba tours – scuba rentals – air fills.
La Jolla dive is a full service scuba diving shop that provides scuba classes, scuba tours, air fills and gear rental. La Jolla dive is located just 2 blocks from the La Jolla marine reserve making us the closest dive shop to the water. La Jolla dive is a PADI facility who’s instructors have 30 years of scuba diving experience in San Diego.
619-206-2485 / [email protected]
Sign up for La Jolla Dive Updates
Additional sites and information.
Find us on TripAdvisor
Real Time Wave Conditions
La Jolla Cove Web Cam
La Jolla Shores Web Cam
Friends of La Jolla Dive:
Waterhorse Charters Oahu Scuba Diving
Photography Credit
Tiffany Poon – THP Photography
La Jolla Dive
2144 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, California 92037
phone: 619-206-2485 email: [email protected]
© 2024 La Jolla Dive.
Zach's Scuba Shack
Call or Text 602-628-9320
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Tours of San Diego
Plunge into the Adventure of a Lifetime
Welcome to Zach's Scuba Shack, where we run Guided Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tours of San Diego's most World renowned Shore Dives like La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Canyon, and Mission Point.
Simply meet with your Guide directly at the Dive Site, suit up, and experience the Underwater World with some of the most Experienced Dive Professionals in the area.
Our Scuba Diving & Snorkel Tours of San Diego
Intro to Scuba Diving at Mission Point
Our introductory to Scuba Diving Tour. This is a great place to start if you have an interest in Scuba Diving in San Diego without needing to have any certification.
1 or 2 Tank Scuba Tour of La Jolla Cove
For certified Scuba Divers. Scuba Dive La Jolla Cove for a 1 or 2 tank tour and see the Kelp Forests, Sea Caves, Sea Lions, and tons of Garibaldi Fish .
Snorkel Tour of La Jolla Cove
The Snorkel Tour of La Jolla Cove is perfect for guests who want to experience all the wildlife and splendors of La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves while staying at the surface.
Scuba Night Dive at La Jolla Canyon
Our Night Scuba Dive Tour at La Jolla Shores is for certified divers who want to take the plunge in the darkness.
"It was my first cold water dive but it was so enjoyable and we saw lots of horn sharks, lobsters, sea lions and seals. Highly recommended!"
- Katie Ketner
Step Up, Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
1100 Coast blvd, La Jolla CA, 92037
602-628-9320
Email : [email protected]
Thanks for submitting!
Call Us At:1(619)260-1880 E-mail: [email protected]
Scuba San Diego has a variety of dive and snorkel activities. Scuba instruction, world class guided diving tours and snorkeling tours off La Jolla Cove, boat dives to Wreck Alley’s HMCS Yukon.
Guided Scuba Excursion to La Jolla Cove certified divers: Book Now
$130.00 (one tank) Gift It
$195.00 (two tank) Gift It
Certified divers, your first dive you will be guided on a tour of the world famous La Jolla Cove kelp forest by our expert guide. The maximum depth is 45 feet, then on your second dive to the sea cavern or La Jolla point. Or, dive at the equally famous La Jolla Canyon, a 60 to 80 ft. dive. These dives begin at 7:00 a.m. These exciting shore dives are a must for the beginning diver and the serious world-class scuba diver. Dive includes weight belt, weights, and cylinders. Close encounters with the rare and endangered Giant Black Sea Bass, Tope Sharks the year round or all of the above plus Seven Gill Sharks in April. Don’t miss April in La Jolla Cove!
Private Guided Scuba Excursion to La Jolla Cove certified divers:
$260.00 (one tank) $325.00 (two tank).
Guided Night Dives:
$135.00 la jolla canyon.
There are a multitude of interesting critters in La Jolla Canyon and at Mission Point. These guided dives meet one half hour before sunset. There are squid runs in the winter, California bat rays, two ringed octopus, and Slider crabs that frequent this canyon year round. Most night dives are loaded with bioluminescent phytoplankton. Mission Point is packed with lobster, octopus and invertebrate.
Wreck Alley Guided Dives: $350.00 (two tanks)
Charters out daily to Wreck Alley, the HMCS Yukon,or the Ruby E, or the NOSC Tower, or the Point Loma Kelp Beds Basic certified OK for Ruby E and NOSC Tower and Point Loma Kelp Beds. But, advanced certification for the HMS Yukon. The HMS YUKON IS A 399 ft. long Canandian Destroyer resting in 100ft/30meters. It sank in darkness during heavy sells before the professionals could sink it as an artificial reef.
The Rub E is an older wreck very near the Yukon. Once a US Coast Guard ship, it is well developed in sea life and is resting in 80ft.25 meters of water.
Rental Gear: Full rentals are available at $85.00 per set including 7MM wet suits.
Note: Minimum 5 people.
Are you bringing a camera to dive La Jolla Cove?
– bring a magenta filter (for green) for your camera., are you bringing a camera to dive palau with us , – bring a red filter (for blue) for you camera., download liability release forms, map and directions to la jolla cove.
MARISSA CHARTERS, INC.
Dive san diego with the best scuba diving charter boat in san diego, california, welcome to marissa charters, san diego's boutique san diego dive boat owned and operated by divers.
At Marissa Charters, we treat every scuba diver like family. Whether you're a beginner with Open Water certification or an experienced Technical diver, our knowledgeable crew and welcoming family-like atmosphere will make your dive experience truly special.
We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 10 divers per trip, ensuring uncrowded dive sites for your enjoyment. Safety is paramount to us, and our crew is extensively trained to ensure a secure scuba diving experience.
Our crew is trained and experienced in assisting divers of all certification and comfort levels. We strive for a stress free environment and plan our trips for plenty of extra time to allow you to gear up at dive at a pace you are comfortable with.
Choose Marissa Dive Charters for the best Scuba dive charter boat in San Diego. Dive with us and discover the beauty of the underwater world with a crew that cares about each and every customer.
Marissa Charters San Diego Scuba Diving Services
San Diego Recreational Scuba Dives
Marissa Charters offeres a Variety of Scuba Dives in San Diego. From San Diego's Wreck Alley, to San Diego's Kelp Forests and Rocky Reefs, we offer the most unique and diversified dive sites in San Diego!
Check out detailed San Diego Dive Site descriptions
Get ready for an incredible San Diego boat dive experience with our skilled team. Reserve your spot now and dive in for an adventure like no other!
San Diego Technical Dives
Discover New Technical Wrecks at Technical Depths with Marissa Charters!
Our experienced Marissa Crew excels at pinpointing wrecks and dive sites with precision. As the top-rated technical diving boat in Southern California, we offer unbeatable Advanced/Technical Dives.
Join us on 6-8 hour tech trips to explore renowned locations such as Scripps Canyon, Murray Head, P-38, F-4, USS Hogan, Missile Tower, High Seas, Cape Charles, and New wrecks we regularly uncover!
Contact Marissa Charters
Please Text Captain Lora
for the Fastest Response :)
619-757-3280
1010 Santa Clara Place
San Diego, CA 92109
Thanks for Messaging!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Thanks for subscribing!
Dive In SCUBA
Come and enjoy the most amazing diving and snorkel tours in southern california. we also certify brand new scuba divers and offer a full range of padi and tdi courses, about dive in scuba.
We are proud to offer Scuba certification and the most exciting dive tours in the Southern California area. Creating the best possible diving experience for beginners up to advanced technical divers is our mission. Come join us for a world-class dive!
Let us help you discover the beauty of the underwater world. Get in touch!
Our services.
Here are the services that we offer:
SCUBA Guided Tours
Scuba guided tours.
Come and discover world-class diving right here in San Diego. We offer 1 and 2 tank dives. Group and private tours are available.
1 Dive from $100.00 2 Dives from $150.00
* gear not included
SCUBA Guided Instructions
Discover SCUBA, Refreshers and Certifications
From first-timer to dive professional, we can train you to be comfortable and competent in the water! Start with your basic open water and go as far as divemaster or decompression diver.
Contact us for current course offerings and pricing.
Snorkel Tour Service
Snorkel tours.
Experience the iconic San Diego snorkel. You will start at La Jolla Cove and our expert guides will take you on a tour to the Sea Caves. Plan on sea lions!
$80.00 / person with gear .
Click the image to enlarge
Read What Our Happy Customers Are Saying
Get in touch.
(857) 320-1578
- Snorkel Diving Tours
Scuba Diving Tours
- Lobster Diving Tours
- Boat Diving Tours
- Discover Scuba Diving
- Open Water Diver Course
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver Course
- Divemaster Course
- Specialty Diving Courses
- Testimonials
- Photo Gallery
- Locations Maps
- Fun Diving Video
Our Scuba Diving Services
Go scuba diving with us at beautiful La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve in Southern California with a Certified Guide, (guides certified by internationally recogonized diving organizations such as SSI, NAUI, etc.). You will see California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Garibaldi State fish, Horned Sharks (harmless), and many other types of aquatic life. Scuba adventures last approximately 2 to 4 hours, (depending on whether you choose a One Tank Dive or a Two Tank Dive). Scuba adventures begin at 7:00 am and you will finish before 9 am for the One Tank Dive, Two Tank Dives finish before 11 am. All gear is included.
What Is The Cost?
The cost is only $99.00 per person for a one tank dive, and $150.00 per person for a two tank dive. (All or partial Scuba Gear will be included at NO EXTRA CHARGE if needed by the customer).
What Days Are The Scuba Diving Tours Available?
Monday thru Sunday
- We meet at 7am and usually finish by 11am.
- All Scuba Diving Tours are Shore Dives.
For Individuals And Small Groups
- You can schedule a scuba diving tour as an individual or a small group of four or more divers.
- Private dive tours are available upon request for an added fee.
What We Provide
We provide a certified guide. ALL DIVING GEAR INCLUDED .
What We Need From You
- Proof of diving certification for all divers.
- Name, Email, Phone Number, height, weight, and shoe size of each participant. Complete the "Needed Information" below and send to us.
- A signed liability waiver. Please download the liability waiver that is after the "Needed Information" section on this page, and bring it with you on the day of your scuba diving tour.
- Your understanding that scuba diving requires that a person be in good basic physical condition. Please do not pursue this unless you can honestly say that you are in good basic physical condition.
- Also that you understand that scuba diving requires that you know how to swim and tread water. Please do not pursue this unless you can basically swim and tread water.
- All scuba diving tours are paid in advance. After you have completed the "Needed Information" and have downloaded the "Liability Waiver", you are ready to move forward and book your tour, (select the button at the bottom of the page).
San Diego Scuba Pros Policies
Payment requirements.
- Full Payment is required a minimum of 2 days before the scheduled dive. If a dive is requested within 1 day before the scheduled date of the dive, then we will charge a small fee of $30.00.
Cancellation Policy
- Full payment refunded if the cancellation notification is 72 hours in advance.
- No refund if the client does not show up.
- No refund if the client(s) decides not to do the second dive.
- San Diego Scuba Pros will reschedule your tour, if weather conditions are not conducive to safe diving.
Our Commitment To You
We are committed to do all that we can, to ensure that you have a wonderful day in the water.
Needed Information
Please complete and submit information for all divers: name, email, phone number, height, weight, shoe size, certified y/n.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Download Liability Waiver
Booking and paying.
Copyright © 2024 San Diego Scuba Pros - All Rights Reserved.
Developed by Doug Westly, [email protected]
Scuba Diving San Diego
Snorkeling Tours – La Jolla Cove, Caves & Sea Lions
Our La Jolla snorkeling tours are available everyday. The best snorkel experience in San Diego includes the La Jolla Cove, caves and sea lions.
Guided Group Snorkeling Tour
- ages 12+, 100lbs+
- wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins use included
- must know how to swim
Reservations Call: 619-758-4040
We offer a number of daily tour times for our snorkeling in La Jolla .
Situated below scenic sea cliffs is the charming La Jolla Cove . Known for beautiful topside views and an abundance of sea life below the surface, this area has become one of the most famous snorkel and dive sites in California. Our daily small group tours are a great experience for families and adventure seekers alike!
- Swim near the cutest sea lions on most everyday.
- View beautifully colored fish including the bright orange Garibaldi .
- Check out the seven Sea Caves area.
Kindness certified San Diego boat charters
You don't want your leisure time ruined by a salty crew or a cramped boat. Let's make sure you get the complete opposite experience.
Jerk-free scuba diving , ocean exploring , and partying charters in San Diego
The way it should be:
One thing we're not modest about is how kick-*** our crew is.
Meet our crew >>
The light capacity of our boats leave no room for discomfort.
Meet our boats >>
We look out for you before we look at our pockets.
Read our policy >>
Can a dive charter with 300 reviews really have a 5-star average? They can if they are a first-class operation like Waterhorse.
- Rick Rhay
Google Local Guide
As seen on...
North County Scuba Center
San Diego’s Premier Dive Store
San Diego is home to some of the most spectacular dive sites in the country and offer a wide range of diving conditions that can perfectly match the skills and experience of beginning divers or satisfy the desire of expert divers to witness the beauty of the deep or explore inside warship wrecks. Some local well-known dive sites include the nutrient-rich and animal-diverse waters off Scripps Canyon, internationally sought after wreck dives off Mission Bay (known as Wreck Alley) such as the Yukon or the Ruby E, and the incredible kelp forests harboring schools of marine life and large reef formations throughout San Diego whether they be along the coast or part of the Channel Islands such as Catalina and San Clemente. Our diving professionals are eagerly waiting to take you on any local dive tour you desire!
Prior to going on a dive tour with one of our dive professionals it is mandatory that you come into the shop to fill required paperwork, fit you with equipment (see equipment below), and show us your dive log with proof that you have dived recently. If you have not dived within the last couple of years it may be necessary to take a refresher course Refresher Program!
In addition, if you have no experience with West Coast cold water diving it may be necessary to allocate one dive towards a strictly training dive so that you can become more comfortable and experienced with all of the very different and often dangerous elements and conditions that San Diego diving has to offer, such as cold water, beach entry, large surf, currents, surge, low visibility, kelp and a variety of potentially harmful marine life.
Please Note: For sanitation and safety reasons every customer must provide their own snorkeling package which includes mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, and booties. All of these items can be purchased at the store. If customers are to provide their own gear it must be approved by the dive professional. Please be aware that scuba diving fins are very different from most other fins in that they must be more powerful and accommodate diving booties.
Equipment: The following Dive Tour prices do not include SCUBA gear rental. If you do not own your own gear we offer a SCUBA rental package deal for $70 that includes a 7mm dive wetsuit with hood, regulator with octopus, submersible gauges, BC, tank, weights, and option of using dive computer or compass
Best Dive Sites in San Diego
San Diego is home to a great deal of mesmerizing beaches and world-famous attractions. However, did you know that it’s also home to some extraordinary diving sites? If you want to experience the best that San Diego has to offer in regards to scuba diving, there are four places that you must visit. This blog will go over the four best dive sites in San Diego and why you cannot skip visiting them on your next scuba diving adventure.
Scuba Diving in San Diego
San Diego is California’s largest city and the United States’ 8th largest city, famous for its beaches and charming community. It is located 20 miles north of Tijuana, México, and is home to many world-famous attractions like natural reserves, museums, naval bases, music venues, and zoos. Along with its amazing weather and lively nightlife, it is one of the preferred places to visit by almost any traveler. While San Diego is known for those elements, it’s also known for its nice diving sites. Whether it be kelp forests or underwater canyons and wrecks, they’re so much to see! Besides the almost-guaranteed sights of the famous Garibaldi, divers can dive with sea lions, leopard sharks, and a great variety of crustaceans and nudibranchs.
The best visibility for diving is from July to January. The calmest sea takes place from August to October. Water temperatures range from 59 -72° F on the surface 50 – 56° F at depth. At the very minimum, divers will need:
- 7-mm wetsuit
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Shores
North from downtown La Jolla, La Jolla Shores is also a trendy place for scuba diving in San Diego. Once you get in the water, you’ll make your way through verdant forests of kelp and a beautiful underwater ecosystem. Here, you could find some incredible marine life, including rays, guitarfish, and even the giant California Sheephead. If you dive further, you may come across plethora starfish, kelp, corals, and a hot load of other creatures! We recommend looking out for angel sharks, guitarfish, and rays from late July to early September. You’re highly likely to see dozens of female leopard sharks gather here for the summer to incubate their young.
La Jolla lies precisely on the land that juts the Pacific, shielding its dive sites from the cold waters of the open ocean. Point Loma, on the other hand, does not get that protection. It has cold waters and ocean exposure, which means a wider range of marine life compared to the sites further north from it. The soaring kelp forest of Point Loma are home to a diverse group of sea life, including:
Along the rocky seafloor, you’ll find hidden sea creatures, including:
- An array of tunicates, sponges, and gorgonians
Dives here usually start around 45 ft and bottom out at 120 ft.
Wreck Alley
Located off the coast of Mission Bay, Wreck Alley is an artificial reef that is famous for its sunken ships and structures. While the reef features eight ships and other structures, the two most popular ones include:
- The HCMS Yukon – A Canadian destroyer
- The Ruby E – A 165-foot Coast Guard Cutter
Unexpected high seas sank the Yukon, leaving it 100 feet underwater. Visiting Wreck Alley isn’t the ideal place for beginner wreck divers. However, this place has many entry and exit holes allowing for safe access for wreck-certified divers. If you decide to visit this place, we recommend watching your air and deco time as the average depth is 75 ft.
Diving With San Diego Scuba Guide
If you’re looking for the best dive sites in San Diego, then you have to visit these four sites: La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Point Loma, & Wreck Alley. San Diego Scuba Guide only does scuba tours at La Jolla Coves and La Jolla Shores. If you want to go to Point Loma or Wreck Alley, you’ll have to hire a dive boat. Our certified divers are here to ensure you get the safest, most enjoyable diving experience in San Diego! Give us a call at 1-858-397-8213 or click here to book your scuba tour!
Share this post
What To Know Of Diving Kelp Forests: The Magnificent Forests Of The Seas
- Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems that provide a rich environment for marine life to thrive, similar to rainforests.
- Great kelp diving destinations include California, New Zealand, England, British Columbia, Baja California, and South Africa.
- San Diego is a popular location for kelp forest diving, with specialized charter dive boats offering guided dives in La Jolla Cove for around $220.
One of the great marine marvels of the world is the kelp forests. These are almost like the rainforests of the coasts and provide a rich environment for species to thrive. Everyone knows about the lush rainforests of the Amazon, but the oceans also have their equivalent of forests too.
Kelp forests offer a unique ecosystem for marine life that feeds, hides, and hunts among the vegetation. There are many things to discover under the surface of the waters, from the SS Yongala wreck that became a part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the formerly classified sunken B-29 Superfortress bomber at the bottom of Lake Mead . Here's what to know about diving in the world's kelp forests.
What To Know About The World's Kelp Forests
Kelp forests are found around the West Coast of North America, New Zealand, southern Australia, New England & Atlantic Canada, and other temperate zones. There are also kelp forests to discover in England ( England has several surprisingly good scuba diving opportunities ).
Great Kelp Diving Destinations:
- New Zealand
- British Columbia
- Baja California
- South Africa
Kelp grows at depths of 30 to 80 feet. The long stems rise to the surface with the help of air-filled bulbs at the base of the kelp's leaves. At the surface, the kelp forms a floating treetop-like canopy through which rays of sunlight penetrate and filter down. The largest and fastest-growing kelp species is giant kelp.
- Length: Up To 130 to 175 feet or 40 to 53 meters
Remarkably, kelp is not a type of plant but rather a type of brown macroalgae. They are found in temperate and polar coastal oceans, although they are also vulnerable (especially around Tasmania and Northern California).
On the North Coast, the vast majority of kelp is Bull Kelp, and it is a great place to watch seals, fish, and otters effortlessly swim through the kelp forests.
When it comes to scuba diving, kelp forests are often overlooked in favor of corals and reefs. Partly that is because kelp forests can be dangerous to dive into due to the risk of entanglement. Divers need to be experienced and able to calmly untangle themselves from the kelp.
It's not just the forests of kelp worth seeing. The largest known living organism is believed to be a clonal seagrass the size of Manhattan located on the west coast of Australia.
Related: Japan's Truk Lagoon is Home To An Extraordinary Number Of Wartime Wrecks, Still Visible Today
Go Kelp Forest Scuba Diving In San Diego
One of the most popular destinations for kelp forest diving is San Diego (which is also a great location for wreck diving ). See schools of baitfish hunted by barracuda and yellowtail tuna. At the bottom, see sea urchins grazing on the kelp while octopus, moray eels, and lobsters make their lives in the cracks and caves.
The best way to scuba dive in the kelp forests in San Diego is with specialized charter dive boats that go to La Jolla and Point Loma. La Jolla Cove is an ecological reserve that is one of the best places to go diving and is clear and calm in the summer.
Dive California offers a number of diving tours to the kelp forests of La Jolla Cove including private dives, 2-tank guided dives, and 1-tank guided dives.
La Jolla Cove: 2-Tank Guided Dive :
The first dive is into the giant kelp forest while the second dive explores the reefs along the shoreline (and if water conditions permit, the tour also explores the open-air sea caves there).
On these dives, it is common to see California Sheephead, Kelp Base, Garibaldi, Sea Lions, Horn Sharks, Stingrays, and more (such as lobsters).
- Max Depth: 15 to 20 feet
- Average Bottom Time: 50 to 60 minutes
- Price: $220 (rental gear included)
Related: Utah's Pando Aspen Vs. California's General Sherman: Which Is Really The World's Largest Tree?
Enjoy A Diver's Perspective At The Monterey Bay Aquarium
The easiest way for visitors to get a glimpse of these underwater forests is at aquariums such as the large Monterey Bay Aquarium in California (around 2 hours drive south of San Francisco). Here, visitors can see the underwater forest 28 feet deep. The Kelp Forest exhibit is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world.
Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (daily except Christmas Day)
- Address: 886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940
- Admission: $59.95 (per adult)
Visitors see a diver's view of the leopard sharks, wolf-eels, sardines, and much more that live in this forest of aquatic algae. Plan the visit to this exhibit in time for the daily feeding.
- Kelp Forest Feeding: 11:30 am to 11:45 am (daily)
Monterey Bay Aquarium has plenty of other exhibits that include the deep ocean, otters, penguins, the open ocean, and much more. The aquarium puts on many events and feedings throughout the day designed to help visitors understand the oceans and their ecosystems.
COMMENTS
We offer 4 scuba diving tours in San Diego: 1-Tank Guided Dive; 2-Tank Guided Dive; Guided Night Dive; Private Guided Dive; La Jolla Cove: 2-Tank Guided Dive. Book Now. On the first dive, we'll head out to the giant kelp forest. On the second dive, we'll explore the reefs along the shoreline. If water conditions permit, we'll slip into La ...
Welcome to Scuba San Diego, Inc. In business locally since 1968. We bring you the finest in San Diego scuba diving and snorkel tours. Our tours are led by some of the most experienced guides in Southern California. Our Scuba Adventure for non-divers is a great introduction to diving and allows you to experience it before you sign up for a Scuba ...
Whether you're taking a diving course or guided scuba tour, our main goal - always - is to help you enjoy every second you spend in the water. At Dive California, we always give you: ... We lead guided tours of San Diego's best dive sites and offer courses for freediving and scuba. Contact Information. Location: San Diego; Phone Number ...
La Jolla dive is a full service scuba diving shop that provides scuba classes, scuba tours, air fills and gear rental. ... La Jolla dive is a PADI facility who's instructors have 30 years of scuba diving experience in San Diego. 619-206-2485 / [email protected]. Sign up for La Jolla Dive Updates. Email Address * First Name. Last Name ...
About Us. Welcome to Zach's Scuba Shack, where we run Guided Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tours of San Diego's most World renowned Shore Dives like La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Canyon, and Mission Point. Simply meet with your Guide directly at the Dive Site, suit up, and experience the Underwater World with some of the most Experienced Dive ...
Call Us At:1 (619)260-1880. E-mail: [email protected]. Scuba San Diego has a variety of dive and snorkel activities. Scuba instruction, world class guided diving tours and snorkeling tours off La Jolla Cove, boat dives to Wreck Alley's HMCS Yukon.
The heart of San Diego's scuba diving community! Our expert-guided tours take you into the spectacular underwater world of La Jolla and the historic Wreck Alley. Every dive is an adventure, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike. We're committed to not just exploring but also conserving the marine environment.
[email protected] | (619) 750-0108 | San Diego, CA. Important Disclosures: Scuba Diving has inherent risks and should only be attempted by individuals in good health and with adequate fitness levels. You should not dive if you have any pre-existing health conditions, heart conditions, or chronic conditions.
San Diego Technical Dives. Discover New Technical Wrecks at Technical Depths with Marissa Charters! Our experienced Marissa Crew excels at pinpointing wrecks and dive sites with precision. As the top-rated technical diving boat in Southern California, we offer unbeatable Advanced/Technical Dives. Join us on 6-8 hour tech trips to explore ...
San Diego Scuba Guide offers the most comprehensive diving programs in San Diego area. If you would like to get certified as a Scuba Diver, if you are looking for a specialty diving program or if you would like to join us for a refresher course call 1-858-397-8213 to join our small group classes or schedule your private Scuba Certification ...
Scuba Tour Instructor located in San Diego offering scuba guided tours, certifications and snorkel tour. Call us to book (857) 320-1578 ! ... Come and discover world-class diving right here in San Diego. We offer 1 and 2 tank dives. Group and private tours are available. ...
Quality Scuba Diving Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Open Water Certifications. All for fun and all with qualified personnel, at wonderful locations. ... San Diego Scuba Pros. San Diego, California USA (619) 902-9767 Call or Text. Hours. Mon. 07:00 am - 07:00 pm. Tue. 07:00 am - 07:00 pm. Wed.
We offer a selection of daily guided scuba diving and snorkeling tours. A fantastic way to enjoy the gorgeous La Jolla protected marine sanctuary. Visiting San Diego and want to experience the magical world under the Pacific Ocean? No problem, we have you covered! Choose between stunning locations such as La Jolla Cove and the seven sea caves.
You will see California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Garibaldi State fish, Horned Sharks (harmless), and many other types of aquatic life. Scuba adventures last approximately 2 to 4 hours, (depending on whether you choose a One Tank Dive or a Two Tank Dive). Scuba adventures begin at 7:00 am and you will finish before 9 am for the One Tank Dive ...
The San Diego scuba diving map and list below includes our top favorite dive sites from La Jolla, Wreck Alley, Point Loma, and Coronado Islands. Although not all of San Diego dive sites are represented here, these are the main local recreational dive sites. Darker icons represent advanced sites (over 60 ft) and brighter icons represent open ...
Reservations: (619) 758-4040. Daily our guides in La Jolla to lead excursions scuba diving in the ecological reserve. San Diego is home to an amazing variety of interesting life. Many consider this protected marine area to be one of the premier west coast dive locations. The ocean park stretches over six thousand acres.
Guided Dive at La Jolla Cove for certified divers:$80.00 (1 tank dive)$150.00 (2 tank dive) San Diego Scuba Guide provides daily guided dives to the renowned La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve. You can relax knowing that the experienced certified NAUI Instructor will keep you safe while you enjoy the best shore diving experience Southern ...
Specialties: Zach's Scuba Shack specializes in Scuba and Snorkel Tours of La Jolla Cove, from beginning divers to advanced and professional level. Groups and kids welcome. Come and dive with us! Established in 2018. Zach's Scuba Shack was developed by Founder Brian Zach in 2018, shortly after he completed his PADI Instructor Certification with a vision to bring more divers into the dive ...
Best Scuba Diving in San Diego, CA - Ocean Enterprises, Beyond Land Adventures, House of Scuba, Zach's Scuba Shack, Waterhorse Charters, Snorkel & Scuba, La Jolla Dive, Mermaid Scuba Tours, San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions, Exos Dive
The best snorkel experience in San Diego includes the La Jolla Cove, caves and sea lions. Guided Group Snorkeling Tour. Price: $80. ages 12+, 100lbs+. wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins use included. must know how to swim. Reservations Call: 619-758-4040. We offer a number of daily tour times for our snorkeling in La Jolla.
Kindness certified San Diego boat charters. You don't want your leisure time ruined by a salty crew or a cramped boat. Let's make sure you get the complete opposite experience. BOOK CHARTER. Jerk-free scuba diving, ocean exploring, and partying charters in San Diego.
If you do not own your own gear we offer a SCUBA rental package deal for $70 that includes a 7mm dive wetsuit with hood, regulator with octopus, submersible gauges, BC, tank, weights, and option of using dive computer or compass. All of the below packages DO NOT include rental Gear. ….1 Tank Dive. ….2 Tank Dive Tour. ….Group Dive Tour 4 ...
Diving With San Diego Scuba Guide. If you're looking for the best dive sites in San Diego, then you have to visit these four sites: La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Point Loma, & Wreck Alley. ... Give us a call at 1-858-397-8213 or click here to book your scuba tour! Share this post. fotex 2021-06-29T19:10:23+00:00. San Diego Scuba Guide tel ...
San Diego is a popular location for kelp forest diving, with specialized charter dive boats offering guided dives in La Jolla Cove for around $220. One of the great marine marvels of the world is ...