Top 10 Must-Visit Dive Sites in San Diego
Matthew Lising Jun 10, 2024
Top 10 Must-Visit Dive Sites in San Diego
Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, San Diego dive sites offer an underwater adventure for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 must-visit dive sites in San Diego, detailing the max depths, levels of difficulty, entry/exit points, what you can see, and how to get there. From vibrant kelp forests to historic shipwrecks, these locations promise unforgettable experiences.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a protected marine reserve known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. This popular site offers rocky reefs, underwater caves, and sightings of garibaldi, leopard sharks, and playful sea lions.
Max Depth: 30 feet
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Located in La Jolla, you can park in the nearby parking lots or find street parking. The beach is a short walk from the parking areas.
Wreck Alley
Wreck Alley, off the coast of Mission Beach, features several sunken vessels, including the famous HMCS Yukon. These wrecks have become artificial reefs teeming with marine life, making it a thrilling spot for advanced divers.
Max Depth: 100 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Entry/Exit: Boat entry
How to Get There: Charter a dive boat from Mission Beach or San Diego harbor. Several local dive shops offer trips to Wreck Alley.
Point Loma Kelp Forest
The Point Loma Kelp Forest is a mesmerizing underwater forest filled with towering kelp stalks and a variety of marine life. Divers can swim through the lush kelp beds and encounter fish, nudibranchs, and giant sea bass.
Max Depth: 60 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Entry/Exit: Boat entry
How to Get There: Accessed by boat, with charters available from San Diego marinas.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores offers a gradual sandy slope leading into deeper waters, perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. The site features submarine canyons and is also a great spot for night diving with bioluminescent organisms.
Max Depth: 60 feet
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Park in the La Jolla Shores parking lot or nearby streets. The beach entry is directly from the shore.
Mission Bay Jetty
The Mission Bay Jetty offers a unique diving experience with its rocky crevices and diverse ecosystems. Divers can explore and find octopuses, sea anemones, and various fish species, making it a fantastic spot for underwater photography.
Max Depth: 40 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Entry/Exit: Shore or boat entry
How to Get There: Located at the entrance of Mission Bay. Park in the lot near the jetty or along the streets.
Marine Room
The Marine Room, near La Jolla Shores, is known for its underwater sand falls and diverse marine life. This unique site provides an exciting dive but is best suited for experienced divers due to strong currents.
Max Depth: 40 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced (due to currents)
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Park at La Jolla Shores and walk south to the Marine Room restaurant area for entry.
Children's Pool
Despite its name, the Children's Pool is a great dive site for observing harbor seals and other marine life. The shallow dive features rocky reefs and kelp forests, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels.
Max Depth: 20 feet
Difficulty: Beginner
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Located in La Jolla, park in the nearby lots or street parking. The beach entry is easy and accessible.
Scripps Canyon
Scripps Canyon offers an exhilarating deep dive experience with its steep canyon walls and abundant marine life. This site attracts schools of fish, rays, and occasionally sharks, but is recommended for advanced divers due to its depth and strong currents.
Max Depth: 120 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Entry/Exit: Boat entry
How to Get There: Requires a boat to access, with charters available from local dive shops in San Diego.
Boomers
Boomers, located in La Jolla, is known for its rocky reefs and vibrant marine life. It's a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving, offering encounters with fish, invertebrates, and occasional sea lions.
Max Depth: 30 feet
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Located in La Jolla, near La Jolla Cove. Park in the same areas as for La Jolla Cove and walk to the site.
Del Mar Beach
Del Mar Beach offers a tranquil diving experience with its sandy bottom and scattered reefs. This site is ideal for macro photography enthusiasts, featuring small critters like nudibranchs and shrimp, and is accessible for divers of all levels.
Max Depth: 30 feet
Difficulty: Beginner
Entry/Exit: Beach entry
How to Get There: Located in Del Mar, park in the beach parking lots or along the streets.
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