Shore diving should not be underestimated–there is just as much to learn and enjoy about these unique environments as any one that requires a boat to reach. Some of the best shore diving in North America can be found in California, where the climate tends to be more consistently mild than other parts of the California coastline. There are no doubt many more than just these 5 that compete for the spotlight, but here are 5 of our favorite shore dives in one stretch of Northern and Central California.
Glass Beach
Located in Fort Bragg, Glass Beach is renowned for its glass-strewn beaches, as it once served as the site of the town’s dump and a glass bottling plant. Following several cleanup projects to restore the beach and the decades of waves and weather, this beach is covered with smooth sea glass in shades of crystal, brown, and green, making for an almost painting-like seascape. Slipping into the water at Glass Beach is very easy, as diving is only a few sandy steps from shore. Popular with spearfishers and abalone hunters, this is also a great place for experienced and intermediate divers to explore.
Caspar Bay
Caspar Bay is one of the premier sites for abalone, and locals suggest hitting the south side of the bay if that is your interest. This dive site offers divers a chance to see amazing rock formations, as well as a variety of large pelagic fish, sea urchins, kelp, sea stars, and anemones. The water is usually calm and shallow, featuring sandy bottoms teeming with roving sand dollars. Kayakers and swimmers can often be found recreating here.
Gerstle Cove
Gerstle Cove is part of the shore diving stretch and is a suitable dive site for both beginners and advanced divers. It is home to the Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve, which mandates that no living creatures be taken from the area to study its conditions and protect local wildlife. Conditions can typically be a bit rough, and the water is shallow, but the site is still one of the best shore dive sites in California.
Breakwater Cove
Breakwater Cove is located in Monterey. Divers can expect to see rockfish, a variety of invertebrates, sea lions, and octopus. Water conditions at this dive site tend to be the best in the early morning hours, with glassy waters and great visibility. The abundance of kelp offers an opportunity to see a different type of marine life than what is usually seen on a typical reef or open water.
McAbee Beach
McAbee Beach is a great shore dive for all levels of divers. The attraction here is the life surrounding old pipelines that now form an artificial reef. Kelp beds are just steps into the water, and sandy bottoms play host to all manner of bottom-dwelling crustaceans and invertebrates. This is also a great beach to engage in other types of recreation, or simply enjoy the sights around you as the bay waters lap at your toes.
