Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in San Diego

Ready for a breathtaking underwater adventure? Scuba diving in San Diego’s crystal-clear waters is a must-try experience. Scuba diving San Diego offers incredible marine life and stunning dive sites, making it a must-visit destination for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

Dive into the vibrant world of kelp forests, explore shipwrecks, and swim alongside playful sea lions as we reveal the ultimate guide to scuba diving in San Diego.

Getting There

Getting to San Diego is pretty straightforward, whether you’re flying in or hitting the road.

If you’re flying, you’ll land at San Diego International Airport (SAN)—which is super convenient because it’s right in the city and just a short drive from top dive spots like La Jolla and Point Loma. Most major airlines like Southwest, Alaska, United, Delta, and American have frequent flights coming in from all over the country.

Prefer to drive? If you’re coming from nearby cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix, the road trip is pretty easy. San Diego is well connected by major highways including I-5, I-8, and I-15, so it’s a smooth ride into the city.

Accommodations

When it comes to where to stay in San Diego for diving, you’ve got a few great neighborhoods to choose from—each with its own vibe and advantages.

La Jolla is a favorite for many divers because it’s just a short walk to popular shore dive spots like La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, the La Jolla Village Lodge offers simple, affordable accommodations. For something a bit more comfortable, you might like the Inn by the Sea. Want to treat yourself? The iconic La Valencia Hotel or the Pantai Inn offer a more luxurious experience with stunning coastal views.

If you’re more into boat diving or want a livelier beach scene, Mission Bay and Pacific Beach are great choices. This area is central to many charter departures and has plenty going on at night. Surfer Beach Hotel is a solid budget pick, while The Dana on Mission Bay offers a nice balance of comfort and price. For more of a high-end stay with that classic SoCal beach resort feel, check out the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa.

Lastly, Downtown San Diego is perfect if you want to be close to the airport and enjoy the city’s dining and nightlife. It’s also conveniently located for many boat diving trips. If you’re on a budget, HI San Diego Downtown Hostel is a fun and social option. For something more standard, the Marriott Courtyard or Hotel Indigo are reliable mid-range spots. And if you’re going all out, the Pendry or InterContinental offer high-end accommodations with great amenities.

Scuba Diving in San Diego

Scuba diving in San Diego offers a very unique diving experience. So let’s take a look at dive operators, conditions, gear and favorite sites.

Dive Operators

Before we can get wet, let’s look at who to dive with – and in San Diego there are plenty of choices. Some good ones are Odyssea Adventures, San Diego Scuba Pros, Marissa Charters, Dive California and Zach’s Scuba Shack.

Dive Season Calendar

If you’re planning a dive trip to San Diego, the best time to go is usually late summer through early fall—think August to October. That’s when the ocean is at its warmest, the visibility tends to be much better, and the kelp forests are in full bloom. You’ll see tons of marine life, and the conditions are just more reliable overall.

That said, each season has something to offer. Winter can actually bring some of the clearest water of the year, but it’s definitely chilly—you’ll want a thick wetsuit or even a drysuit if you’re going then. Spring is kind of a mixed bag. There’s a lot of nutrient-rich water from upwelling, which attracts wildlife, but it can also make the water murky. Early summer can still be a bit hit or miss with visibility, but by late summer, things start to smooth out.

As for the time of day, mornings are your best bet. The wind and surf usually pick up in the afternoon, so getting in the water earlier means calmer seas and clearer views. Plus, it gives you the rest of the day to relax or explore San Diego (For a list of great free things to do in San Diego see here). The water temperature in San Diego varies depending on the season, ranging from around 59 in winter to about 72 in summer.

Throughout the year, you may encounter unique marine species, such as Velella velella, Yellowtail and Yellowfin tuna, and even the occasional rare deep-sea fish like the lancetfish.

In other words, no matter when you visit, San Diego’s waters always have something fascinating to offer.

Gear up

As mentioned above, it can be chilly in the San Diego waters. At best, you may be looking at temperatures in the low 70s. This means you are going to most likely want a 7mm or semidry wetsuit, or, in the winter months, a drysuit.

Looking to keep extra warm, then you may want to check out the Hollis Neotek, Hollis Semi-Drysuit, Scubapro mens Definition Dry Hd Drysuit and, for those environmentally friendly divers, the Henderson Greenprene wetsuit.

Also don’t forget your fins, the Scubapro Go Sport fins travel nicely and are a Jay’s Faves, as well your diving knife, surface marker buoy and a signaling device.

Dive Sites

With over twenty main popular dive sites, you may need two trips to San Diego to see them all. Check out the most popular below.

Two of the most iconic dive sites in San Diego that you absolutely cannot miss are La Jolla Cove and Wreck Alley. La Jolla Cove, a kelp forest haven, offers a diverse underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life, perfect for divers and snorkelers alike.

On the other hand, Wreck Alley is home to a multitude of various objects, including ships, sunk on purpose to form an artificial reef, providing an exciting and unique diving experience. These two must-visit dive sites are discussed more below.

La Jolla Cove: A Kelp Forest Haven

La Jolla Cove is an ecological reserve that features a breathtaking underwater world, with its star attraction being the stunning kelp forest.

This diverse ecosystem at La Jolla cove is home to a variety of marine life, including:

• Harbor seals
• Sea lions
• Guitarfish
• Barracuda
• Soupfin sharks
• Kelp bass
• Leopard sharks
• Sevengill sharks

Dive depths at La Jolla Cove typically range between 15ft and 45ft, offering an excellent opportunity for divers of all skill levels to explore the wonders of this underwater paradise. The La Jolla Canyon, while not in the cove, drops down to about 600ft, but more on that later.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, the Snorkel Tour of La Jolla Cove is an excellent option to explore the beauty of the cove and its sea caves without diving into the depths. The guided tour offers a unique experience to witness the rich marine life and stunning rock formations that make La Jolla Cove a must-visit destination in San Diego.

The Thrills of Wreck Alley

Wreck Alley, another iconic dive site in San Diego, features a series of sunken ships, platforms, barges and bridges that have been turned into an artificial reef. The main attractions in Wreck Alley include:

• The Canadian Mackenzie Class Destroyer, the HCMS Yukon, which was intentionally sunk in 2000 to create a thriving underwater ecosystem, is 366ft long and 40ft wide. She lies on her port side in 100ft of water. You can hit the top of the wreck at about 60ft. An amazing wreck, but mind your training and do not dive beyond your limits or enter the wreck, if not trained to do so.

• The Ruby E, a 165ft long and 40ft wide Coast Guard cutter, lies upright in 85ft of water. You will hit her pilothouse at about 50ft. She was sunk in 1989 and has become a nice artificial reef all these years later.

• The NOSC Tower, a decommissioned Navy sonar training tower that collapsed in a storm in 1988, is a “jungle gym” of beams in 30ft to 60ft of water. A neat site to visit, but be carful of entanglement hazards.

In addition to the above dive sites, divers can explore other wrecks and artifacts in Wreck Alley, such as The El Rey wreck and the Ingraham Street Bridge.

The depths of the various dive sites of Wreck Alley generally range from between 20ft to 130ft, with visibility varying depending on conditions. Remember that advanced or technical diving skills may be necessary for some wrecks, and proper safety equipment is essential for a successful dive experience in Wreck Alley.

Other Dive Sites

San Diego’s underwater world is nothing short of mesmerizing. Three other fantastic dive sites in the area include:

• La Jolla Canyon: As mentioned above, another great location for diving by La Jolla Cove is La Jolla Canyon. This site is approximately 100 yards from La Jolla Shores. The wall of the canyon starts at about 35ft and drops down below 600ft. Be mindful of your buoyancy and look for bait balls of small fish, octopuses, leopard sharks and nudibranchs in the area.

• Mission Point: A great dive site if you’re a beginner diver, or just looking for nice calm conditions. Depths of only 15ft to 20ft keep things easy. Among the rocks and soft coral formations, divers may see octopus, nudibranchs, stingrays and maybe even a starfish. Mission Point is also excellent for snorkeling.

• Turtle Town: as the name suggests, this dive site, within La Jolla Cove, is known for its abundance of sea turtles. It’s a great spot for underwater photography and observing these majestic creatures. Snorkelers can get in on the fun too as depth is about 33ft.

First-Time Diver Experiences

If you’re new to scuba diving and want to experience the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time, the “Intro to Scuba Diving at Mission Point” is the perfect opportunity for you. This scuba diving tour allows you to explore San Diego’s underwater world without needing any certification, making it an excellent choice for those who want to dip their toes into the world of scuba diving.

During the “Intro to Scuba Diving at Mission Point” tour, you’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment, such as wetsuit, BC and regulator, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Embrace the excitement of breathing underwater and immerse yourself in the stunning underwater ecosystem found at Mission Point.

Note: make sure to check the site to ensure that you meet all the physical requirements to participate.

Night Dives

For a truly unique experience, consider embarking on a night dive in San Diego. Night dives provide an opportunity to witness the vibrant marine life that comes alive after dark.

A favorite spot for night time diving is La Jolla Canyon, mentioned above, due to the various marine life that is found there.

Navigating San Diego’s Dive Community

Connecting with San Diego’s dive community can greatly enhance your scuba diving experience. Dive shops, charter companies, and local experts are valuable resources and can provide you with insider tips and information to make the most of your underwater adventure. Popular local clubs, such as San Diego Dive Club, San Diego Underwater Photographic Society, and San Diego Freedivers, host regular trips, workshops, and social events for diving lovers.

To connect with San Diego’s dive community online, you can:

• Visit Facebook groups like San Diego Scuba Diving and San Diego Dive Buddies
• Join meetup groups like Power Scuba
• Participate in online forums like ScubaBoard
• Check out websites like San Diego Divers and Scuba San Diego for valuable information and resources for divers of all skill levels.

A Snapshot of San Diego Marine Life

San Diego’s marine life is truly unique, offering a variety of fascinating creatures that call these waters home. From the elusive leopard sharks to the playful sea lions, divers and snorkelers can witness the incredible aquatic life that thrives in this region. Some of the incredible creatures you can encounter include:

• Harbor seals
• angel sharks
• Giant black sea bass
• leopard sharks
• Sea lions
• Sevengill sharks

Diving into the waters of San Diego offers a thrilling opportunity to discover these amazing creatures. Below is a detailed look at two of these captivating creatures and their habitats.

Leopard Sharks and Where to Find Them

Leopard sharks are a species of shark that can be found in San Diego’s coastal waters, usually inhabiting shallow estuaries, bays, and sandy or muddy areas. These sharks, along with horn sharks, are known for their peaceful nature, often seen in groups or schools, especially during the summer for mating and feeding. As nocturnal creatures, they are more active at night, and their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Sea Lions’ Playground

Sea lions are another fascinating species found in San Diego’s dive sites. These playful marine mammals can often be seen swimming and interacting with divers, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. However, it’s important to remember that sea lions can get aggressive if they feel threatened, so it’s best to give them their space.

Wrapping Things Up

San Diego’s underwater world is a treasure trove of unique marine life, stunning dive sites, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a first-time diver, a seasoned scuba enthusiast, or simply interested in snorkeling, San Diego has something for everyone.

With the right gear, guidance, and a sense of adventure, diving into the depths of San Diego’s waters will undoubtedly be a highlight of your visit. So gear up, dive in, and explore the incredible underwater wonders that await you in San Diego!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to dive in San Diego?

The best time to dive in San Diego is between April and October, when the water is warmer and calmer.

What wetsuit thickness should I wear?

Even in the summer months the water temperature, at most, may be in the low 70s. 7mm, semidry or drysuit recommended.

What is the scuba diving capital of the United States?

Key Largo, Florida is widely known as the scuba diving capital of the world due to its extraordinary reef system and protected National Marine Sanctuary, as well as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and a vast array of stunning dive sites. These features make Key Largo a bucket-list destination for thousands of scuba divers. You can learn more about scuba diving in Key Largo here.

Looking for more things to do in California? Check out the articles below:

• Best Free Things To Do In San Diego, California
• Best Things To Do In Carlsbad, California
• The Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Catalina Island, California

“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay