by Julie Diaz

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2009

San Diego has a fascinating and diverse coastline that divers from around the world can enjoy. The sandy beaches, kelp forests, underwater reefs, and artificial "shipwreck" reefs give a unique diving experience to all.

The best scuba diving in San Diego is found at La Jolla Cove. As part of the La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve, this protected underwater park has giant kelp forests full of a variety of sea life. There are also numerous sea caves to explore. Harbor seals are frequently seen while diving and will even swim along with the diver.

One of the most frequented dive spots is La Jolla Shores. The popularity of this site is probably due to its easy surf entry and usually good conditions. Beginning divers can increase their skills in the shallow areas near shore, while advanced divers can easily enter La Jolla Submarine Canyon. Care is needed when approaching the canyon, since the slope steepens quickly. This dive site is also within the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, so all sea life is protected here.

The Marine Room is another shore diving area near La Jolla Shores. It has good conditions and small waves, but less traffic than La Jolla Shores. This is a good location to enter both La Jolla Submarine Canyon and the northern section of the reef system at La Jolla Cove. Early and late summer is a great time of the year to see leopard sharks.

Pipes is a popular surf location in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, but also has good shallow reef and kelp diving. There is a rocky reef area with abundant marine life for experienced divers. There are large kelp beds farther off shore.

Another good location in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is San Elijo State Beach. However, conditions here are usually not good. When waves are calm divers can reach thick kelp beds and a good reef system.

Another popular dive site is the HMCS Yukon, a Canadian destroyer that was sunk to form an artificial reef. The position of the ship is unusual, thus offering an interesting dive. This dive site must be reached by boat since it is about two miles from shore.

Part of "Wreck Alley", the Ruby E is popular with both divers and photographers. There is abundant sea life to be seen in this sunken site. It can only be reached by boat.

For the beginning diver and experienced diver, San Diego offers a variety of underwater adventures. The only problem is deciding which one to do.

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