The Best Dive Sites in San Diego

San Diego offers divers an incredible mix of accessible shore diving and world-class wreck diving. With water temperatures ranging from 55-72°F depending on season, you'll want a 5-7mm wetsuit for year-round comfort. La Jolla's protected waters feature underwater canyons, kelp forests, and famous seasonal leopard shark gatherings. Offshore, Wreck Alley boasts several purposely sunk vessels including the famous HMCS Yukon, creating artificial reefs teeming with marine life.

Pro tip: Before heading out, check current conditions on DiveLine's San Diego page for real-time visibility, swell, and wind forecasts.

1. La Jolla Shores

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Type: Shore dive (beach entry)
• Depth: 60-100 feet
• Visibility: Typically 15 feet

La Jolla Shores is San Diego's most popular dive site and for good reason. The gradual sandy slope leads to the dramatic Submarine Canyon, which begins at about 30 feet and drops off sharply. During summer months (June-September), leopard sharks gather here in large numbers – one of the most unique diving experiences in California. Divers can also encounter kelp bass, sea turtles, tope sharks, and angle sharks.

Convenient parking is available in a large lot near the beach. The site has public restrooms, showers, and nearby restaurants for post-dive meals.

2. La Jolla Cove

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Type: Shore dive (beach entry)
• Depth: 25-60 feet
• Visibility: Typically 15 feet

La Jolla Cove is a protected ecological reserve offering clear waters, abundant marine life including sea lions, and beautiful underwater topography with kelp forests and sea caves. The area features four main habitats: seagrass meadows, kelp beds, reefs, and the famous "Seven Caves" – mostly shallow with big, open-air chambers accessible to divers. The sea lions here are accustomed to divers and often approach for close encounters.

Parking can be challenging on weekends – arrive early to secure a spot. Public restrooms and showers are available nearby.

3. HMCS Yukon

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Type: Boat dive
• Depth: 80-100 feet
• Visibility: Typically 30 feet

The HMCS Yukon is a 366-foot Canadian warship intentionally sunk in 2000 to create an artificial reef. Located in Wreck Alley about 2 miles off Mission Beach, this popular wreck dive offers numerous penetration opportunities and is home to abundant marine life. The ship lies on its port side at 60-100 feet with multiple decks and compartments for exploration. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, home to rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, giant sea bass, and schools of blacksmith and jack mackerel.

Boat charters depart from Mission Bay marinas. This is an advanced dive requiring good buoyancy control and ideally wreck diving training for penetration.

4. Ruby E

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Type: Boat dive
• Depth: 65-85 feet
• Visibility: Typically 25 feet

The Ruby E is a 165-foot Coast Guard cutter sunk in 1989 as part of San Diego's artificial reef program. Located in Wreck Alley, this wreck sits upright at approximately 85 feet and is more accessible than the Yukon for intermediate divers, offering easier penetration opportunities. The wreck is encrusted with invertebrates and hosts rockfish, lingcod, garibaldi, schools of blacksmith, and frequent visits from sea lions and harbor seals.

Often combined with other Wreck Alley dives on charter boats. The boat ride is typically 20-30 minutes from Mission Bay.

5. Point Loma Kelp Beds

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Type: Boat dive
• Depth: 50-80 feet
• Visibility: Typically 25 feet

The Point Loma Kelp Beds constitute one of the largest kelp forests in California, stretching for miles along the Point Loma peninsula. Towering kelp stalks create a cathedral-like environment that harbors diverse marine life including rockfish, kelp bass, sheephead, garibaldi, lingcod, bat rays, leopard sharks, octopuses, and lobsters. Sea lions often visit to hunt, and lucky divers might encounter harbor seals or dolphins.

Multiple dive operators offer regular trips to various locations within the kelp beds. The boat ride is typically 30-45 minutes from Mission Bay.

Planning Your San Diego Dives

San Diego offers year-round diving with water temperatures ranging 55-72°F depending on season. Winter typically offers better visibility (30-50 feet), while summer brings the famous leopard shark aggregations to La Jolla Shores. Conditions can vary significantly, so always check forecasts before heading out.

DiveLine provides real-time forecasts for all San Diego dive sites. Check our San Diego dive sites page to see conditions before you go.

• Leopard sharks: Visit La Jolla Shores June-September for the best shark encounters
• Wreck diving: Book with experienced operators for Wreck Alley trips - penetration requires proper training
• Check conditions: Use DiveLine to see real-time forecasts before every dive
• Dress appropriately: Water temps range 55-72°F - a 5-7mm wetsuit is recommended year-round
• Watch for currents: Strong currents can develop, especially around wrecks and canyon edges
• Surface safety: Use surface marker buoys when diving in kelp beds or near boat traffic