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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Los Angeles County

The top 105 dive and snorkel sites in Los Angeles County, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Los Angeles County guide

dive sites
105
dive shops
15
reviews
53
AreasTwo Harbors42Avalon32Palos Verdes Estates9Rancho Palos Verdes7Los Angeles6Redondo Beach2Long Beach2Palmdale1
105 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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1

Casino Point

4.8(4 reviews)USA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

Casino Point is one of the most popular dive sites in California and deservingly so. The city of Avalon has done a great job making the city and Dive Sites very Diver friendly. The Dive Site itself is easily accessible via the stairway leading directly into the water from the walkway. Once in the water, the surf is usually calm or near calm and visibility is always pretty good (15-100'). Sea life is abundant and generally easily approachable. You'll find a lot of great photo opportunities at Catalina, so bring a camera if you have one. You'll find several small wrecks within easy swimming distance of the stairs and lots of other points of interest throughout the Underwater Park. My advise is to just Dive and enjoy the view, you'll come across many interesting things on every dive! Concrete steps and rails right into the water

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftShore entry
No photos yet
2

Emerald Bay

4.7(3 reviews)USA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

NE from Two Harbors.

AdvancedMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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3

Cape Cortes

5.0(1 review)USA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

Rays, kelp, gorgonians, Horn Sharks West of Cat Harbor

BeginnerMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
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4

Garibaldi Reef

5.0(1 review)USA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

East end of Catalina Island, just north of Seal Rocks

BeginnerMax depth 42.7 ftBoat entry
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5

Veteran's Park

5.0(1 review)USA, California, LA County, Redondo Palos Verdes

Swim straight out from the stairs near the restrooms until you are parallel to the end of the pier. Dropping down here will put you within just a few kicks of the drop-off. About 100 feet north of the stairs in 45 feet is an area known as the Salad Bowl. There is kelp and detritus where you can find dozens of nudibranchs, shrimp, isopods, octopus and many small fish. At the south end of the beach are submerged pier pilings coverd with anemones and invertebrates. Located at the intersection of Pearl Street and Esplanade, the parking lot at Veteran's Park has plentiful metered spaces. Stairs to the beach are located at the Southwest end of the lot.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftShore entry
Christmas Tree Cove6

Christmas Tree Cove

4.2(15 reviews)California Mid, USA West

Steep hike over slippery sand, then entry over shallow, slippery rocks. There is nice snorkeling available along the shoreline and a small kelp forest in the middle of the cove. The best diving is on the reef beyond the cove. The high spot breaks the surface at low tide. Follow this reef south and you will find overhangs, walls, lobsters, sponges, fish and nudibranchs. The east side of the reef has vertical walls as high as fifteen feet. The reef continues to eighty feet where it ends at the sand. Located in the posh Palos Verdes area, grab your street map and follow along: From the Pacific Coast Highway, head South on Palos Verdes Blvd for 1.4 miles. Turn right on Palos Verdes Drive West. In 3.8 miles, turn right on Paseo Lunado which becomes Paseo Del Mar. You'll see the park on your right.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftShore or Boat entry
White Point7

White Point

3.8(21 reviews)California Mid, USA West

There's something for everyone at White Point. Beginner and expert divers will find interesting underwater vistas to explore. Ship wrecks and old construction have left bits and pieces of history strewn through the area. Plus, reefs and kelp around the point are harbors for the elusive critters. The Big Attraction here is the Warm Water Vents in the Shallows. About 50 Yards out you'll find areas with almost no growth and a mixed White and Black Sandy Bottom. You may see "Murky Water" in these areas as well. If so, you're over the vents - Try taking your Gloves off and putting them in the sand, you'll feel the Heat - It's pretty Cool (or is that Hot)! Expect to see Bat Stars, Sea Cucumbers, Moray eels and lots of Nudibranchs as you venture away from the Vents. Go a little Deeper and East and you'll run into Kelp and Rock outcrops loaded with goodies. The best diving is in the kelp bed about 200 yards east of the cove, Rock formations with dramatic overhangs, schools of fish darting throughout the kelp, barracuda, Giant Seabass, lobster, large sand rose anemones and batrays can be found here. Entry in the cove can be tough. Slippery rocks and shallow water extends more than sixty feet from shore. It is best to dive here at high tide. The park is closed at night, but you can enter via the fire road east of the baseball field and enter the water on either side of the point. Two thousand feet offshore is a beautiful reef with several species of sponges, different nudibranchs than those found inshore and various rockfish. The reef is about thirty feet wide and one hundred feet long and rises twenty feet above the sand. There are smaller rocks about fifty feet NE of White Point Rock. The only location on Palos Verdes Peninsula with parking right by the water. Swim approx 200 yards straight out at 40' depth. 1.5 miles East of the junction of I-110 and the Pacific Coast Highway, take Western Ave South toward the ocean. In about 5.5 miles, it will merge with West Paseo Del Mar. You'll see the view of the following picture.

IntermediateMax depth 29.9 ftShore or Boat entry
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8

Long Beach Breakwater

4.0(3 reviews)USA, California, LA County

Lobsters some crab and small fish. Kelp at the top of the breakwall, deep silt at the bottom. Recommended that you leave someone onboard the boat while diving, as the silt doesn't hold the anchor in moderate wind. Dive flag required due to heavy boat traffic. The Los Angeles Federal breakwater at Angel's Gate (Los Angeles Harbor) is also nice. Lots of lobster in the rocks, but not as many nudibranchs as the Long Beach breakwater at Queen's Gate (Long Beach Harbor) Long Beach Harbor Entrance

BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftBoat entry
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9

Eagle Rock

3.0(4 reviews)USA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

Kelp, big fish, sea lions and lobster Backside west of Cat Harbor

BeginnerMax depth 72.2 ftBoat entry
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10

Hen Rock

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

Dive Hen Rockock with its rock formations and kelp forest. Great lobster hunting in season. SE of Long Point on the front side of Catalina Island

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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11

Little Farnsworth

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

SE of Avalon Little Farnsworth is also known as Pinnacle Rock.

IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
12

Italian Gardens

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

This dive site is a large boulder-strewn area surrounded by sand. Great for Lobstering. Home to a large population of Giant Sea Bass. West of Long Point, in the front side of Catalina Island.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
13

Littlerock Dam Reservoir

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County

An altitude of 3000ft+ gives reason to be altitude certified. Sheer rock, and structure verticals give this dive an appealing wall dive. Big thermoclines and visibility changes at depth. Aquatic vegetation and life include super large cottonwood trees, trout, largemouth bass and varieties of carp. Underwater picnic grounds are also a treat. Snow fed into the spring time and early summer. 1.1 billions gals at full level. Off of Hwy 138 in North LA County is Cheseboro Road, take that to the guard station to Pay $5.00 per car and diver, extra passengers or divers are an additional $2.00, under 12 is free. Continue to the reservoir. Any entry on the West side of the Reservoir is accessible in only minutes.

IntermediateMax depth 32.8 ftShore or Boat entry
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14

Suejac Wreck

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

54' Gaff-rigged schooner. Sunk November 14,1980. Eastern side of Catalina, immediately outside of Avalon Harbor in front of the Casino. Anchor to the eastern buoy of the Casino diving area.

BeginnerMax depth 60 ftShore entry
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15

China Point

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Catalina Island

Rocky with kelp and sea Lions Around the corner from Avalon

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftBoat entry
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16

Redondo Beach Artificial Reef

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Redondo Palos Verdes

Surplus US Navy barge added to the artificial reef in 1974. Gorgonians, simnia snails and a few nudibranchs on the barge, but the big attraction here is the ever-present sea lions. Redondo Beach Artificial Reef is also known as Redondo Barge.

IntermediateMax depth 65 ftBoat entry
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17

Point Dume

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County

park at end of lot walk past rock climbing wall to a smaller beach and enter to the left of that beach, continue to rock formations that are less then 50 yards out to dive site Point Dume is also known as Point Dume Pinnacles.

IntermediateMax depth 29.9 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
18

Archery Range

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Redondo Palos Verdes

Access from shore involse a car shuttle and a long hike down a gated dirt road. The diving is shallow with little to no visibility, but when the vis is good you will find fish and nudibranchs galore. Hopkin's Rose nudis are on nearly every rock in 5-10 feet of water. From the locked gate at Portugese Bend, the dirt road winds its way down to the cliff below. Entry is from the gravel beach. Archery Range is also known as Portugese Bend.

BeginnerMax depth 12.1 ftShore or Boat entry
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19

Pt. Vicente Pinnacles

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, Redondo Palos Verdes

Pinnacles rising from the depths up to just a few feet below the surface. Invertebrates everywhere. Pelagics occur often. I've seen two Thresher sharks here. Boat only. Because of heavy boat traffic a dive flag is required. Pt. Vicente Pinnacles is also known as Whale Rock.

IntermediateMax depth 40 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
20

Coral Gardens

No reviews yetUSA, California, LA County, San Clemente Island

Great spot for Purple Coral in abundance. Kelp forrest Northern End of San Clemente Island

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
Snorkeling & Scuba Map of Los Angeles County: numbered map of the top 20 dive and snorkel sites, with ratings
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Numbers match the ranked list of Los Angeles County dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Top dive shops in Los Angeles County

All 15
PCH Scuba Inc.
5.0 (160) · Agoura Hills
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Hollywoodivers
4.9 (146) · Los Angeles
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Dive N' Surf
4.9 (94) · Redondo Beach
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Eco Dive Center
4.8 (191) · West Los Angeles
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Los Angeles County diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Los Angeles County for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 105 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Los Angeles County?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Los Angeles County are Casino Point (4.8 from 4 reviews), Emerald Bay (4.7 from 3 reviews) and Cape Cortes (5.0 from 1 review).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Los Angeles County?

The top-rated beginner sites are Casino Point (4.8 from 4 reviews), Cape Cortes (5.0 from 1 review) and Garibaldi Reef (5.0 from 1 review).

Where can I shore dive in Los Angeles County?

Casino Point, Veteran's Park, Christmas Tree Cove and White Point are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

What is the best advanced dive in Los Angeles County?

Emerald Bay (4.7 from 3 reviews), reached by boat, with a maximum depth of 49.2 ft.

Are there dive shops in Los Angeles County?

Zentacle lists 15 dive shops in Los Angeles County. The top-rated are PCH Scuba Inc. (5.0 from 160 reviews) and Hollywoodivers (4.9 from 146 reviews).