Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Riverside, California, United States
1. Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Offers crystal-clear waters for scuba diving and snorkeling, popular for training and certification.
- Clarity of Water: Known for its clear waters, allowing divers to see up to 30 feet.
- Recreational Facilities: Equipped with a boat launch ramp, campsites, and picnic areas.
- Diving Conditions: Ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike due to the controlled environment.
2. Prado Regional Park
Features a large freshwater lake with opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Lake Size: Boasts one of the largest lakes in Riverside County.
- Facilities: Equipped with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms for convenience.
- Wildlife: Home to various aquatic species such as fish, turtles, and waterfowl.
3. Corona Quarry Park
An old quarry converted into a scuba diving destination with various underwater attractions.
- Attractions: Includes sunken cars, statues, and other structures for exploration.
- Depth: Offers a variety of diving depths suitable for different skill levels.
- Visibility: Known for its excellent visibility, allowing divers to explore clearly.
4. Riverside County Ocean Dive Park
A designated scuba diving and snorkeling area at the ocean in nearby San Clemente.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and numerous fish species.
- Dive Conditions: Features kelp forests, shipwrecks, and underwater canyons for exploration.
- Location: Conveniently located near San Clemente Pier with easy access to parking and amenities.
5. Pacific Palisades
A rocky shoreline offering great opportunities for snorkeling along the coast.
- Rock Formations: Features unique rock formations and caves to explore.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including octopuses, sea stars, and anemones.
- Accessibility: Easy access from the beach with shallow waters for snorkeling.
6. Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area
A marine protected area with diverse marine life and underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Home to Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and sea otters.
- Underwater Landscapes: Features kelp forests, underwater canyons, and shipwrecks.
- Conservation: Supports marine conservation efforts to preserve the local ecosystem.
7. Crystal Cove State Park
A coastal park offering scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities near underwater canyons.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and numerous fish species.
- Underwater Landscapes: Features underwater canyons, kelp forests, and shipwrecks for exploration.
- Location: Conveniently located near the beach with easy access to parking and amenities.
8. La Jolla Cove
A popular snorkeling destination known for its clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Marine Life: Home to seals, sea lions, and a variety of fish species.
- Water Clarity: Known for its clear waters, providing excellent visibility.
- Accessibility: Easy access from the beach with shallow waters suitable for snorkeling.
9. La Jolla Shores
A beautiful sandy beach offering excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including leopard sharks, rays, and numerous fish species.
- Underwater Landscapes: Features underwater canyons, kelp forests, and shipwrecks for exploration.
- Location: Conveniently located near the beach with easy access to parking and amenities.
10. La Jolla Ecotourism Center
Offers snorkeling tours and equipment rentals for those new to the sport.
- Tours: Provides guided snorkeling tours with knowledgeable guides.
- Equipment Rentals: Rents snorkeling gear for those who don't own their own equipment.
- Education: Offers education on local marine life and conservation efforts.
11. San Onofre State Beach
A popular beach with excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and rays.
- Underwater Landscapes: Features underwater canyons, kelp forests, and shipwrecks for exploration.
- Location: Conveniently located near the beach with easy access to parking and amenities.
12. La Jolla Kayak
Offers snorkeling tours, equipment rentals, and kayak tours in La Jolla.
- Tours: Provides guided snorkeling tours with knowledgeable guides.
- Equipment Rentals: Rents snorkeling gear for those who don't own their own equipment.
- Kayak Tours: Offers kayak tours to explore the local area from a different perspective.
13. La Jolla Underwater Park
A marine protected area with diverse marine life and underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Home to a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and numerous fish species.
- Underwater Landscapes: Features underwater canyons, kelp forests, and shipwrecks for exploration.
- Conservation: Supports marine conservation efforts to preserve the local ecosystem.
14. La Jolla Shores Snorkel & Scuba
Offers snorkeling and scuba diving lessons, tours, and equipment rentals in La Jolla.
- Lessons: Provides scuba diving and snorkeling lessons for beginners.
- Tours: Offers guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours with knowledgeable guides.
- Equipment Rentals: Rents snorkeling and scuba diving gear for those who don't own their own equipment.
15. La Jolla Cave Store
Offers snorkeling tours, equipment rentals, and kayak tours to explore La Jolla's caves.
- Tours: Provides guided snorkeling tours with knowledgeable guides.
- Equipment Rentals: Rents snorkeling gear for those who don't own their own equipment.
- Kayak Tours: Offers kayak tours to explore the local caves and marine life.