Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in San Diego, United States

1. La Jolla Cove

A popular beach for snorkeling with clear waters and a rich kelp forest. Ideal for beginners.

Rich Marine Life: Observes a variety of marine life including garibaldi, seals, and leopard sharks.
Shallow Waters: Shallow waters make it suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels.
Easy Access: Equipped with a stairway and beach facilities for visitor convenience.

A seawall-protected cove offering calm waters perfect for snorkeling with seals.

Seal Interaction: Common place to spot harbor seals basking on the rocks.
Calm Waters: Calmer waters compared to other snorkeling spots, making it suitable for families.
Beautiful Scenery: Features stunning cliffs and sea views, adding to the overall experience.

A long sandy beach with snorkeling opportunities along the shoreline and reefs.

Scuba Accessibility: Offers scuba diving rental facilities on-site.
Long Shoreline: Extensive shoreline offers ample opportunities for exploration.
Diverse Marine Life: Home to garibaldi, leopard sharks, and octopuses among others.

Known for its kelp forests and large schools of fish. Ideal for experienced snorkelers.

Advanced Snorkeling: Requires stronger swimming skills due to strong currents.
Kelp Forests: Explore large kelp forests teeming with marine life.
Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the coastline and sea cliffs.

A large aquatic park offering snorkeling opportunities around various islands.

Island Exploration: Visit the various islands in the bay, each hosting unique marine life.
Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for beginners due to calm waters and clear visibility.
Boat Rentals: Offers boat rentals to reach snorkeling spots quickly.

A rocky beach with a reef that attracts a variety of marine life for snorkelers.

Rock Formations: Explore unique rock formations along the shoreline.
Advanced Snorkeling: Requires strong swimming skills and experience due to strong currents.
Marine Life: Encounter seals, leopard sharks, and various fish species.

A park offering access to snorkeling spots at Scripps Pier.

Historical Site: Features a historical pier with a unique underwater ecosystem.
Beginner-Friendly: Calmer waters and clear visibility make it suitable for beginners.
Marine Reserve: Located within a marine reserve, promoting the preservation of marine life.

A series of shipwrecks off La Jolla's coast providing an artificial reef for snorkeling.

Artificial Reef: Dive through sunken ships that serve as a home for marine life.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind each sunken shipwreck.

A collection of old boats providing an artificial reef for marine life off Point Loma.

Artificial Reef: Dive through old boats that serve as a home for marine life.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind each sunken boat.

A series of islands offering world-class diving with a variety of marine life.

Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Marine Life: Encounter seals, sharks, lobsters, and various fish species.
Boat Trips: Reach the islands by joining a boat tour from downtown San Diego.

A beach located near the Coronado Islands offering snorkeling opportunities.

Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for beginners due to calm waters and clear visibility.
Marine Life: Encounter various fish species, rays, and possible sea turtles.
Beach Activities: Offers other beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

A sunken steamer ship located off Imperial Beach offering a unique diving experience.

Artificial Reef: Dive through a sunken shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind the sunken steamer ship.

A sunken fishing boat offering an artificial reef for marine life near La Jolla.

Artificial Reef: Dive through a sunken boat that serves as an artificial reef.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind the sunken fishing boat.

A sunken yacht offering an artificial reef for marine life near Coronado.

Artificial Reef: Dive through a sunken yacht that serves as an artificial reef.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind the sunken yacht.

A sunken ferryboat offering an artificial reef for marine life near Coronado.

Artificial Reef: Dive through a sunken ferryboat that serves as an artificial reef.
Advanced Diving: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
Historical Interest: Explore the history behind the sunken ferryboat.