Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Rancho Palos Verdes
Known for the Shark Lab, offers guided dives showcasing local marine life.
- Unique Marine Life: Enjoy encounters with sea lions, bat rays, and leopard sharks.
- Guided Dives: Learn from experts about the local marine ecosystem.
- Accessibility: Convenient location for divers of all skill levels.
2. Rosie's Dog Beach
Dive with friendly sea lions at this unique beach.
- Sea Lion Interaction: Experience close encounters with playful sea lions.
- Beach Location: Convenient access for both diving and relaxing on the beach.
- Offbeat Experience: A unique opportunity to combine a beach day with diving.
3. Catalina Island
Visit the underwater park and witness diverse marine life.
- Diverse Marine Life: Spot garibaldi fish, lobsters, and seals.
- Underwater Park: Protected area ensures healthy marine ecosystem.
- Day Trips Available: Easy to arrange a day trip from Long Beach.
4. Alamitos Bay
Explore the kelp forests and discover hidden sea creatures.
- Kelp Forests: Swim through vibrant underwater landscapes.
- Sea Creature Encounters: Spot octopuses, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
- Close to Shore: Ideal for beginning divers or snorkelers.
5. Queen's Way Bridge
Dive beneath the bridge and discover shipwrecks and sea life.
- Shipwrecks: Explore sunken vessels teeming with marine life.
- Underwater Structures: Swim through the intriguing remains of the bridge.
- Night Diving: Observe a different side of marine life after dark.
6. Ross' Gull Island
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters around this bird sanctuary.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy excellent visibility for sightseeing.
- Bird Sanctuary: Observation of various bird species.
- Snorkeling Only: Ideal for snorkelers with minimal diving experience.
7. Belmont Shore
Snorkel or scuba dive at this popular beach with calm waters.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for all skill levels and enjoyable conditions.
- Marine Park: Protected area ensures healthy marine life.
- Beach Amenities: Convenient access to parking, restrooms, and dining.
8. Rancho Palos Verdes Shelf
Explore a steep drop-off with abundant marine life.
- Deep Waters: Adventurous dive for experienced divers.
- Marine Life: Spot large pelagic fish and sea turtles.
- Remote Location: Requires a boat to access the dive site.
9. Angel's Gate Park
Dive in kelp forests and explore old shipwrecks.
- Kelp Forests: Swim through lush underwater landscapes.
- Shipwrecks: Discover the history of sunken vessels.
- Night Diving: Observe a different side of marine life after dark.
10. Ross' Gull Harbor
Snorkel amidst rocky outcroppings and discover hidden sea life.
- Rock Outcroppings: Explore the unique underwater formations.
- Sea Creature Encounters: Spot various sea creatures hiding among the rocks.
- Snorkeling Only: Ideal for snorkelers with minimal diving experience.
11. Rancho Palos Verdes Point
Dive along the point and discover various marine habitats.
- Diverse Habitats: Explore kelp forests, rocky outcrops, and sandy bottoms.
- Marine Life: Spot a variety of marine creatures in different environments.
- Remote Location: Requires a boat to access the dive site.
12. Alamitos Bay Breakwater
Dive along the breakwater and discover hidden sea life.
- Breakwater Structure: Explore the unique underwater formation.
- Sea Creature Encounters: Spot various sea creatures hiding among the rocks.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for all skill levels and enjoyable conditions.
13. Rosie's Dog Beach Dive Spot
Dive with sea lions in calm waters.
- Sea Lion Interaction: Experience close encounters with playful sea lions.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for all skill levels and enjoyable conditions.
- Beach Location: Convenient access for both diving and relaxing on the beach.
14. Queen's Way Bridge Dive Spot
Dive beneath the bridge and discover shipwrecks and sea life.
- Shipwrecks: Explore sunken vessels teeming with marine life.
- Underwater Structures: Swim through the intriguing remains of the bridge.
- Night Diving: Observe a different side of marine life after dark.
15. Catalina Island Dive Sites
Visit multiple dive sites on Catalina Island for diverse experiences.
- Diverse Marine Life: Spot garibaldi fish, lobsters, and seals.
- Underwater Park: Protected area ensures healthy marine ecosystem.
- Day Trips Available: Easy to arrange a day trip from Long Beach.