Explore the best dive sites close to home! Whether you have limited vacation time or want to save money on flights so you can spend more time underwater, Bluewater Travel has got you covered. With our headquarters in Southern California’s Culver City, we have explored plenty of local dive sites and destinations that are within easy reach of the region, and we've rounded up our top dives in the USA or a direct flight away.
Best Diving in the USA
With such expansive coastlines on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, it's surprising that the US isn't a more popular dive destination. There's no place like home for Americans, and there are plenty of worthy dive sites to explore, including California's Pacific coastline, Florida's fascinating variety, and Hawaii's volcanic topography.
California
Exploring your local dive sites is the most affordable and easy option, plus you don’t have to use precious vacation time to do it! With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, it’s no surprise that California is home to some of the best diving in the USA. From the famed Catalina Island to advanced dives along the mainland, there is something to suit every diver’s interest and experience level. We've been up and down the long coastline and picked our favorite local dive spots!
Exploring kelp forests in Southern California
Casino Point, Catalina Island
Enjoy an easy day trip suitable for all divers. Take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point to Avalon. Dive at Casino Point Dive Park, one of the best places to see Giant Black Sea Bass. There are also loads of other fish!
Farnsworth Banks, Catalina Island
Embark on one of the best dives in Catalina. This site has a series of beautiful pinnacles peaking around 60’, making it suitable for advanced divers only. The pinnacles are teeming with fish and mark one of the few places to see purple hydrocoral.
Corals at Farnsworth Banks
Point Lobos, Carmel
Experiencing this exclusive, beautiful dive site in Northern California is a must. The highly protected area boasts robust marine life, including nudibranchs, anemones, schools of fish, and some species of sharks. The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve requires divers to book reservations in advance, as the site is limited to only 10 dive teams (pairs) per day.
La Jolla Shores, San Diego
Although there is also scuba diving in the area, snorkeling La Jolla Shores is an incredible experience. From late July to early September, hundreds of leopard sharks come to the shallows to give birth and raise their young. You can snorkel to witness this event and may encounter numerous bat rays at the same time!
Oil Rigs, Long Beach
Dive the Long Beach oil rigs for a unique experience suitable for advanced divers only. Although the rigs are an eyesore at the surface, underwater the metal beams have become a vibrant artificial reef home to various invertebrates and fish. You’re nearly guaranteed an encounter with a playful sea lion and lucky divers may encounter pelagic life including sharks and mola mola.
A sea lion at Oil Rigs
Yukon Wreck, San Diego
Witness the best wreck on the West Coast, just off the shores of San Diego. The HCMYS Yukon was a Canadian destroyer escort vessel, stripped and sunk to create a phenomenal wreck diving experience. The wreck is huge and sits at a depth of 60-100 feet. Experienced advanced divers will want to spend many dives on the wreck to explore its various chambers.
Metridium Fields, Monterey Bay
There are plenty of beautiful dive sites in Monterey Bay, but a personal favorite of Bluewater’s GM, Tim Yeo, is Metridium Fields. This easy beach dive is suitable for all levels to enjoy the rocky reefs smothered in giant metridium anemones. Other highlights of the site include nudibranchs, octopuses, eels, rays, and sea lions.
Florida
California isn't the only worthy dive destination in the continental United States; Florida has been a hot spot for scuba divers for decades. Divers enjoy a diverse mix of dive sites, including wrecks, artificial reefs, and unique experiences diving in rivers and sinkholes. Water temperatures and visibility are best from spring until autumn, but year-round diving is possible in Florida with the proper thermal protection.
Goliath Grouper Aggregation, Jupiter
Encountering just one goliath grouper is a moment a diver is unlikely to event. In Jupiter, Florida, you can witness dozens of Goliath groupers as they congregate in August and September to spawn. Not only are the fish massive in size, they are very comfortable and interactive with scuba divers, offering an incredible experience. If you're an underwater photographer, you will find the groupers cooperative subjects as they allow you to take shot after shot!
Wreck Diving, Florida Keys
The Keys host the best wreck diving in the US. The Spiegel Grove and the Vandenburg are two of the three largest artificial wrecks worldwide, and there are many more cool wrecks all along the Florida Keys. Spiegel Grove is a massive vessel with easy penetration points and hosts large tarpon, and you can see the occasional bull shark in August. Vandenburg was sunk in 2009 and has become a prolific reef home to a variety of corals, fish, eels, and you may even see Goliath groupers or sharks.
Blue Heron Bridge, West Palm Beach
We've mentioned this dive site on so many of our 'best of' lists, we're feeling a bit blue in the face. However, there's good reason Blue Heron Bridge is a favorite among snorkelers and divers. The shallow lagoon waters are home to incredible macro life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, pipefish, and tropical fish. Blue Heron Bridge offers the perfect conditions for photographers to spend an extended bottom time looking for and shooting their favorite subjects.
Hawaii
A favorite of mainland Americans who want an easy tropical island getaway, Hawaii is also home to some of the top diving in the US. It's not a budget-friendly destination, but with so many topside experiences, it is very family-friendly. Each island boasts its own unique charm, and diving varies between the islands. We recommend Kona and Kauai if you plan to dive during your Hawaiian vacation.
Kona (Big Island)
The Big Island's Kona area is home to the most famous dive in the state: the manta ray night dive. Experience the awe of dozens of gigantic manta rays swooping through torch beams as they feed on plankton. For daytime dives, there are unique lava tubes and volcanic reefs home to endemic tropical fish. The large island has fascinating lava formations, coffee plantations, beautiful national parks, and sprawling beaches. Popular topside activities include hiking, golfing, and all kinds of watersports.
Kauai
Nicknamed "The Garden Isle," Kauai is a quiet island with beautiful landscapes. Most scuba diving trips embark from Poipu, a popular tourist area on its south shore. With plenty of dive sites to explore from both boat and shore, Kauai is a great place for novice divers to earn their certification or get more experience. More experienced divers shouldn't miss the opportunity to dive Nihau if the weather permits the trip, and your best chances are from June through September.
Best Diving Near the United States
Some of the most sought-after dive destinations are so close to the continental United States that you can get on a plane and be underwater later on the same day! Others require a bit more travel time but are still easy enough to fit into a week of vacation time. Here are our top dive spots near the US:
Mexico
The USA's warmest neighbor (sorry, Canada!) is packed with exciting dive destinations on both coasts. The Baja Peninsula is a highlight for large animals, including whales, sea lions, sharks, dolphins, and whale sharks. Socorro is the top spot for thrilling blue water dives rivaling the Galapagos. Head to the Caribbean coast for calmer waters with beautiful reefs home to a variety of marine life. For a one-of-a-kind ethereal experience, visit the Cenotes to snorkel or dive the unique caverns year-round.
Socorro Islands
Most divers have at least heard of Socorro, and if it's not on your bucket list, it should be! Home to some of the most incredible marine encounters on the planet, Socorro is only visited by liveaboards, which need to be booked well in advance due to high demand. How great is the diving in Socorro? Bluewater Travel's GM, Tim Yeo, says, “This is by far my favorite dive trip. I've been here 6 times and going again in November 2024. This is the only place in the world where giant Pacific manta rays seek out divers to interact with them. There are also lots of sharks and dolphins, and if you go in the right season, whale sharks.”
Unforgettable diving in Socorro
Consider joining a Travel with Bluewater trip to Socorro in February 2025
La Paz (Baja)
If you follow any of Bluewater's social media channels, you've no doubt seen the highlight of diving in La Paz: the playful sea lions at Los Islotes! From September through early October, these inquisitive animals with their puppy dog-like eyes and whiskers will swim around scuba divers in an immersive, chaotic, and wildly entertaining show. Other excellent dive sites in La Paz include El Bajo - where you could see schooling hammerheads - and Salvatierra Wreck - a great introduction to wreck diving for less experienced divers.
Cozumel (Caribbean)
Hop on a plane to one of the easiest and quickest dive destinations to reach from the US: Cozumel. With direct flights from major hubs across the country to Cozumel's international airport, it is the perfect place for a short dive holiday (or a long one!). Boasting some of the best diving in the Caribbean with vibrant, healthy coral reefs and dive suites suitable for all experience levels, plus loads of great dive resorts to suit every budget, it is a top dive spot for singles, groups, and families.
Cenotes (Caribbean)
Often visited in combination with a trip to Cozumel, Mexico's cenotes offer a unique experience suitable for all levels of divers and even snorkelers. Stunning stalactites and stalagmites mark these sinkholes and underground passageways, and the crystal-clear water offers excellent photography opportunities. You can fly to Cancun directly from many US cities, then drive south to stay in Playa del Carmen or Tulum if the cenotes are the focus of your dive trip. Many dive operators in Cozumel offer day trips to dive the cenotes, which is a long day but a great way to check off this bucket list item if you prefer to spend most of your holiday diving Cozumel's reefs.
San Ignacio (Baja)
While not a dive or snorkel trip, San Ignacio Lagoon is the only place where you can interact with Pacific Gray Whales. Female whales and their calves come right up to the boat to solicit pets, hugs, and kisses from humans. These family-friendly trips run from February to early April and are a perfect add-on to a dive trip to La Paz. Join Bluewater's Baja Ultimate Whale Safari guided group trip in February 2025 to experience these magical moments for yourself! Read more about whale interactions in San Ignacio Lagoon.
Pacific Gray Whale Interactions in San Ignacio, Mexico
Read all about Tim’s experience in San Ignacio Lagoon.
Belize
With plenty of direct flights from all over the US, Belize is another easy getaway with different dive experiences suitable for all divers. Famous for its Blue Hole, Belize also features gorgeous coral reefs home to sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Accommodation options are plentiful, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and there are even a couple of liveaboards for those who prefer. If you stay at a resort, Belize offers an endless array of topside experiences, from hiking to spot flora and fauna to caving to visiting ancient ruins.
Bonaire
Although it's most easily accessed via direct flights from only a handful of Eastern US hub airports, Bonaire deserves a spot on this list. Bonaire is an island that caters specifically to scuba divers, boasting some of the best diving infrastructure around. The best part is you have control over your holiday and can maximize your time underwater by renting a vehicle, picking up scuba tanks, and exploring the dozens of well-marked dive sites surrounding its shores. It's the top place in the world for self-catered scuba diving holidays. Read our article about the top dive sites in Bonaire to learn why our American clients love it so much.
Further Away but Easy to Reach destinations
If you want to put more distance between yourself and home but don't want to spend multiple days traveling, there is spectacular diving within relatively easy reach of the US. The South Pacific is famous for its postcard-perfect overwater bungalows, pristine beaches, and sparkling turquoise waters. In contrast, the East Pacific is famed for its unique flora and fauna, along with some of the most sought-after and memorable dive experiences on the planet. Whether you prefer the dreamlike setting of French Polynesia or Fiji or the colder but unique Galapagos or Cocos Islands, the diving will not disappoint.
French Polynesia
Dream of perfect beaches, sunsets, and sea views? Look no further than French Polynesia. A relatively short 9-hour flight from Los Angeles will have you enjoying sensational topside scenery and some memorable marine life encounters. The diving in Fakarava is incredible, especially during a specific week every year in June/July when thousands of groupers congregate to spawn, which attracts hundreds of sharks. Visit Moorea from August to October to snorkel with the humpback whales that come to raise their newborn calves.
Snorkeling with humpback whales in Moorea
Join Bluewater for unforgettable snorkeling with whales in 2024!
Fiji
Dive into Fiji's waters to experience the most amazing soft coral gardens you'll find underwater. An 11-hour flight from Los Angeles, Fiji boasts some unforgettable underwater landscapes. Vatu-I-Ra Passage in Bligh Waters is home to several dive sites that showcase the healthy coral reefs Fiji is known for. One of these sites, Mellow Yellow, is so min-blowing it's on our list of top 20 dive sites in the world! Visit Taveuni to dive Rainbow Reef's currents and see white tip, gray reef, and nurse sharks cruising along the vibrant reef. Some of the top sites include Rainbow's End, Rainbow Passage, and Great White Wall.
Experience the best of Fiji with a photo and GoPro video workshop or a liveaboard photography workshop!
Galapagos
Head to the East Pacific to visit one of the best dive destinations for big animals: the famous Galapagos Islands. The protected region is home to hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, and dolphins, plus a bounty of unique endemic species both underwater and topside. The best diving is at Wolf and Darwin Islands, which are only accessible from a dive liveaboard. El Arco dive site is known for schooling hammerheads, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, and seasonal whale sharks. Conditions in the Galapagos are challenging and only suitable for experienced advanced divers.
Hammerhead sharks (L); penguins and a sea lion (R)
Join Bluewater's Galapagos Photo Workshop in May 2026!
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Together with Socorro and Galapagos, Cocos Island rounds out the trio of big animal destinations in the East Pacific. Like the other destinations, you'll need to book a liveaboard to reach Cocos, with a lengthy crossing from the mainland. What's so great about diving Cocos Island? It's not about pretty reefs - this rocky, uninhabited island is a magnet for sharks, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks. The currents around sites such as Menuelita bring exciting pelagic life, such as whale sharks, tiger sharks, and a variety of rays. The diving at Cocos is done deep in the open ocean, where there can be strong currents, low visibility, and swell. As such, it's a destination for experienced advanced divers who are confident in challenging conditions.
Not sure which East Pacific destination is right for you? Learn about the similarities and differences between Socorro, Galapagos, and Cocos.
Worldwide Dive Destinations
Embark on longer-distance holidays to some of the world’s top dive destinations, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Africa. Take your adventure to the next level by heading to remote regions, such as snorkeling with orcas in Norway or joining a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica.
Wherever you want to go, Bluewater Travel can help you plan and book your dream dive holiday! We are a full-service dive-travel agency that can book you a resort or a liveaboard almost anywhere in the world at the same price, or even lower, than booking any other way. Our travel advisors have been to most of these places, and some are so amazing they keep going back! We know the diving, resorts, liveaboards, and logistics better than anyone else in this industry. To get started, you can email us to start planning your trip!
Don't forget about the importance of insurance - it can not only save your trip but also your life! Read our guides to travel insurance and dive insurance, and make sure you purchase your policies before you travel!
Capture some lasting memories from your dive holiday with underwater photography gear from Bluewater Photo Store - your source for the latest cameras, housing, lights, and accessories!
