Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Sacramento, California, United States
1. Folsom Lake
A large freshwater lake offering scuba diving opportunities with clear waters and diverse marine life.
- Depth Variety: Offers a range of dive depths suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Marine Life: Home to various species like bass, trout, catfish, and even the occasional sturgeon.
- Recreational Activities: Also popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking, making it a great multi-purpose destination.
2. River Bend Park
A park on the American River offering snorkeling opportunities in the cool waters.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful trees, riverside trails, and wildlife.
- Snorkeling Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to explore the river's underwater ecosystem.
- Family-Friendly: Has a playground, picnic areas, and easy access for young explorers.
3. Discovery Park Aquatic Center
An aquatic center featuring a pool with underwater viewing, great for snorkeling practice.
- Snorkel Practice: Ideal for beginners to practice their snorkeling skills in a controlled environment.
- Underwater Viewing: Features underwater viewing areas showcasing local aquatic life.
- Swim Lessons: Offers swim lessons and certification courses for all ages.
4. American River Confluence
The meeting point of the American and Sacramento rivers, offering unique diving experiences.
- Historic Interest: Rich in history as a Gold Rush-era trading post.
- Diversity of Species: Home to various fish species, including salmon during their spawning season.
- Challenging Conditions: Can be challenging due to strong currents and changing water conditions.
5. Folsom Power Recreation Area
A reservoir offering excellent scuba diving opportunities with submerged structures.
- Submerged Structures: Has sunken boats and other man-made structures for exploration.
- Clear Waters: Offers clear waters, making it easier to spot marine life.
- Water Safety: Monitored by lifeguards for water safety during designated hours.
6. Rockville Boat Ramp
A boat ramp on Folsom Lake providing access to scuba diving sites.
- Scuba Accessibility: Provides easy access to the lake for scuba diving.
- Parking Availability: Has ample parking space for divers and their equipment.
- Boat Traffic: Requires awareness of boat traffic when entering and exiting the water.
7. Anna's Landing Park
A park on the Sacramento River offering opportunities for snorkeling in shallow waters.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for snorkeling with young children or beginners due to its shallow depth.
- Historic Site: Located near Old Sacramento, providing a glimpse into the city's history.
- Fish Spotting: Offers chances to spot native fish species in the river.
8. The Narrows at Folsom Lake
A narrow section of Folsom Lake offering challenging dive conditions.
- Challenging Conditions: Requires advanced diving skills due to strong currents and limited visibility.
- Marine Life: Home to various fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning cliffs and rock formations, making it a visually appealing dive site.
9. River Bend Park - Upper Pool
The upper pool at River Bend Park offering snorkeling opportunities.
- Snorkel Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to explore the American River's underwater ecosystem.
- Swimming Area: Offers a designated swimming area for safety.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful trees, riverside trails, and wildlife.
10. Sunrise Recreation Area
A recreation area on Folsom Lake offering scuba diving opportunities.
- Scuba Accessibility: Provides easy access to the lake for scuba diving.
- Clear Waters: Offers clear waters, making it easier to spot marine life.
- Boat Traffic: Requires awareness of boat traffic when entering and exiting the water.
11. Raley Field Boat Ramp
A boat ramp at Raley Field providing access to the Sacramento River for snorkeling.
- Snorkel Accessibility: Provides easy access to the river for snorkeling.
- Boat Traffic: Requires awareness of boat traffic when entering and exiting the water.
- Sports Venue Nearby: Located near Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats baseball team.
12. Beal's Point Park
A park on Folsom Lake offering opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Scuba Accessibility: Provides easy access to the lake for both scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Clear Waters: Offers clear waters, making it easier to spot marine life.
- Family-Friendly: Has a playground, picnic areas, and easy access for young explorers.
13. Folsom Lake - Willow Point
A section of Folsom Lake offering scuba diving opportunities with underwater structures.
- Submerged Structures: Has sunken boats and other man-made structures for exploration.
- Clear Waters: Offers clear waters, making it easier to spot marine life.
- Water Safety: Monitored by lifeguards for water safety during designated hours.
14. Beal's Point Marina
A marina on Folsom Lake providing access to scuba diving sites.
- Scuba Accessibility: Provides easy access to the lake for scuba diving.
- Marina Facilities: Offers facilities like restrooms, showers, and boat rentals.
- Boat Traffic: Requires awareness of boat traffic when entering and exiting the water.
15. Sunrise Recreation Area - Lower Pool
The lower pool at Sunrise Recreation Area offering snorkeling opportunities.
- Snorkel Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to explore the American River's underwater ecosystem.
- Swimming Area: Offers a designated swimming area for safety.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful trees, riverside trails, and wildlife.