Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Mendocino County

The top 4 dive and snorkel sites in Mendocino County, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Mendocino County guide

dive sites
4
4 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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1

Navarro Beach

No reviews yetUSA, California, Sonoma

Navarro, Mendocino Coast.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftShore entry
No photos yet
2

Arena Cove

No reviews yetUSA, California, Sonoma

Pt. Arena; Mendocino Coast

BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftShore entry
No photos yet
3

Stornetta Cove

No reviews yetUSA, California, Sonoma

Pt Arena, Mendocino Coast.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
4

Little River

No reviews yetUSA, California, Mendocino

Plenty of kelp so keep to the open paths to find the depth you are looking for. This is one of Mendocino County's best spots for abalone diving. Be sure to check the current regulations on ab harvesting to avoid fines from the strict enforcement by the good people at the Department of Fish and Game. Visibility can be limited but the amount of life is abundant, especially if you have access to a kayak or an inflatable. Just North of Mendocino along HW 1 you can find Little River, or Van Damm state park. Parking is free and just a small walk across the beach to the ocean. The access is protected by an offshore reef structure that makes this access the safest along the North Coast. Little River is also known as Van Damm.

BeginnerMax depth 82 ftShore entry
Numbers match the ranked list of Mendocino County dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Mendocino County diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Mendocino County for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 4 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.