The first time I saw scuba divers in Laguna Beach, I was just a little girl, watching them disappear beneath the waves in one of the hidden coves along the shore. Even now, I still see them gearing up, slipping into the water, and surfacing later with stories of kelp forests, bright orange garibaldi fish, and the occasional playful sea lion.
While I personally prefer diving in warmer waters (give me the Maldives any day!), I know that Laguna Beach is a favorite spot for divers who appreciate its rocky reefs, thriving marine life, and accessible shore dives.
What makes scuba diving in Laguna Beach so special? For one, much of the coastline is part of a protected marine reserve, meaning the waters are full of life. Plus, with easy shore access and a variety of dive sites, there’s something for every level. This guide will help you find the best dive spots, rental shops, and everything else you need for an amazing underwater adventure.
Why Scuba Diving in Laguna Beach is Worth It
When I wander the tide pools at low tide, I always find myself mesmerized by the colorful fish, sea anemones, and tiny crabs hiding in the rocky crevices. It makes me wonder what it must be like beneath the waves, where an entire world of marine life exists beyond what we see from shore. The seaweed and kelp that washes up on the beach is just a tiny hint of the thriving underwater forests, swaying with the current and providing a home for everything from bright orange garibaldi to hiding octopuses.
Much of the coastline is part of a protected marine reserve, meaning the waters are teeming with life.
The variety of dive sites makes it a great destination for everyone, whether you’re a beginner sticking to shallow reefs or an experienced diver ready to explore the deeper water.
Because many of Laguna’s best dive spots are shore dives, there’s no need to book a boat. Just grab your gear, walk in from the beach, and experience the beauty beneath the surface.
Best Dive Sites in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is packed with incredible dive sites, each offering something different, from kelp forests to rocky reefs full of marine life. Most dives here are shore dives, which means easy beach access. Though some require a bit of a trek down the bluffs. Here are some of the best spots to explore:
1. Shaw’s Cove
One of the most popular dive spots in Laguna, perfect for beginners due to its easy entry and calm conditions.
Features rocky reefs, kelp beds, and plenty of marine life, including garibaldi, sea stars, and even the occasional octopus.
Great for underwater photography, thanks to the clear visibility on good days.
2. Crescent Bay
A favorite among divers because of Seal Rock, where sea lions often swim alongside divers.
Offers a mix of rocky structures, sandy bottoms, and deep crevices, making it a great spot for both beginner and advanced divers.
A slightly longer surface swim to get to deeper areas, but worth it for the diverse marine life.
3. Diver’s Cove
Known for its shallow reef and easy conditions, making it ideal for newer divers or relaxed dives.
Home to schools of rockfish, garibaldi, and other small marine creatures.
Often has great visibility and is a super spot for snorkeling as well.
A favorite beach for locals
4. Fisherman’s Cove
A less crowded dive site.
Features a mix of rock formations, reefs, and kelp beds.
One of the best spots for night diving, when creatures like octopuses and bioluminescent plankton come to life.
5. Deadman’s Reef (Off Crescent Bay)
For experienced divers due to its deeper waters and swim distance from shore.
Offers interesting underwater topography, with large boulders, crevices, and vibrant marine life.
A top spot for lobster diving during the season, though only for those comfortable with deeper depths.
6. Treasure Beach & Goff’s Cove
A local favorite with beautiful underwater rock formations and thriving marine life.
I live nearby and often see divers parking in the public parking garage off Wesley Street, loading their gear into little wagons, and making their way down the steep bluffs to the entry points at Treasure Beach or Goff’s Cove.
The trek down is a bit of a workout, but the reward is worth it. Fantastic visibility, thick kelp forests, and fewer crowds compared to other Laguna dive sites.
A great spot for both day and night dives, and a hidden gem for photographers looking to capture the untouched beauty of Laguna’s underwater world.
No matter your experience level, scuba diving in Laguna Beach offers something for everyone. These dive sites provide some of the best shore diving in California.
Scuba Gear Rentals & Dive Shops in Laguna Beach
925 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
One of the most well-known dive shops in Laguna.
Offers rentals, air fills, and guided dive tours.
Located close to many dive spots, making it super convenient.
Offers high-quality rental gear and scuba certification courses.
Multiple locations in Orange County, including Laguna Beach and nearby Dana Point.
Lost Winds Dive Shop (Dana Point)
34135 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste A Dana Point, Ca 92629
A fantastic independent dive shop in Dana Point, just a short drive from Laguna Beach.
Offers affordable rentals, high-quality dive gear for sale, and expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
Known for its friendly, community vibe, making it a great place to connect with other divers.
If you're planning multiple dives in Laguna Beach, this is a great spot to pick up gear before heading to the water.
Pacific Wilderness Dive Shop (Orange)
While not in Laguna, this shop is worth mentioning for its well-priced rental gear and excellent selection of dive equipment.
Offers dive training, servicing, and gear repairs.
No matter where you rent from, be sure to check current ocean conditions before heading out. The right gear and preparation can make all the difference in having an incredible dive experience in Laguna Beach!
Tips for Scuba Diving in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach offers some of the best shore diving in Southern California, but conditions can change quickly, and preparation is key. These tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
1. Check the Ocean Conditions Before You Go
Visibility, surf, and currents vary daily, so always check a reliable dive report before heading out. Websites like Surfline or Windy.com provide up-to-date conditions.
Laguna Beach can experience strong swells, especially in winter, which can make shore entries challenging. If conditions look rough, wait for a better day.
2. Know the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Many of Laguna Beach’s dive sites are part of State Marine Reserves, meaning it’s illegal to take or disturb marine life.
Always be aware of no-take zones. Fishing, lobstering, or collecting even a shell is prohibited in protected areas.
3. Arrive Early for Parking & Beach Access
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and during summer. Some of the best dive sites have small or metered parking lots, so arriving early increases your chances of getting a good spot.
Some divers park in the public garage off Wesley Street when diving at Treasure Beach and Goff’s Cove.
4. Use the Right Entry and Exit Techniques
Laguna Beach is known for its rocky shorelines and occasional surf, so timing your entry and exit with the waves is crucial.
Walk backward into the water with your fins on, and when exiting, ride the waves in on your stomach rather than trying to stand up too early. I learned this the hard way as a little girl.
5. Bring a Dive Flag for Safety
While shore diving means no boats are necessary, Laguna Beach still has plenty of kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders.
A dive flag makes it easier for others to spot you and is required by law when diving beyond 200 feet from shore.
6. Dive with a Buddy or Join a Local Group
Solo diving is never recommended. If you don’t have a dive partner, consider joining a local dive group or booking a guided shore dive.
Shops like Laguna Sea Sports often organize group dives, making it a great way to meet other divers.
7. Be Mindful of Tide Poolers & Beachgoers
Laguna Beach is a popular tourist spot, and many locals enjoy exploring the tide pools. Try to avoid surfacing too close to tide poolers or swimmers.
If diving in an area like Shaw’s Cove, keep an eye out for snorkelers and paddle boarders sharing the space.
8. Consider Night Diving for a Unique Experience
Some of Laguna’s dive spots, like Fisherman’s Cove and Shaw’s Cove, are incredible at night, with lobsters, octopuses, and bioluminescent plankton coming out after dark.
Make sure to carry a primary and backup dive light, and be aware that some beaches close after sunset, so check regulations ahead of time.
9. Pack Smart: Wetsuit, Booties, and Essentials
Laguna Beach’s water temperatures range from 55°F in winter to 70°F in summer, so a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit is recommended year-round.
Many dive sites have rocky entries, so booties and gloves can help protect against scrapes.
Always bring a snack, fresh water, and a dry towel—you’ll appreciate them after your dive!
By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for an amazing scuba diving experience in Laguna Beach. Whether you’re gliding through kelp forests, spotting bright orange garibaldi, or surfacing alongside a curious sea lion, every dive here is an adventure worth taking.
What You’ll See While Diving in Laguna Beach
Scuba diving in Laguna Beach offers a glimpse into a vibrant underwater world, teeming with marine life and unique geological features. Thanks to the marine protected areas (MPAs) along the coastline, the waters here are full of life, making every dive an adventure.
1. Kelp Forests: The Underwater Rainforest
Laguna Beach is home to thriving kelp forests, some of the most productive ecosystems in the ocean.
These towering golden-green plants sway with the current and provide shelter for a wide variety of marine creatures.
On a sunny day, sunlight filters through the kelp, creating one of the most breathtaking sights in California diving.
2. Garibaldi: The Bright Orange State Fish
You can’t miss the garibaldi, California’s state fish, thanks to its neon-orange color.
These territorial fish are bold and curious, often swimming close to divers before darting back to their rocky homes.
If you hear a strange clicking sound, that’s the garibaldi defending its territory!
3. Lobsters, Octopuses & Nighttime Creatures
California spiny lobsters are a common sight, especially at night when they come out from hiding.
Octopuses camouflage themselves against rocks and kelp, making them tricky to spot.
Night dives bring out bioluminescent plankton, which glow blue-green when disturbed.
4. Rays & Leopard Sharks
(I’ve never seen these, but people say they’re here. . .)
Keep an eye out for bat rays gliding across the sandy bottom or buried beneath the sand.
Leopard sharks, with their distinctive spotted pattern, are harmless and sometimes seen in shallow waters near reefs.
If you’re extra lucky, you might spot a horn shark, a small, slow-moving species that rests along the rocky seabed. Let me know if you see one!
5. Sea Lions: The Playful Dive Buddies
One of the biggest thrills of diving in Laguna Beach is encountering California sea lions.
These playful, curious animals are often seen around Seal Rock at Crescent Bay and will sometimes swim around divers, blowing bubbles and twisting through the water.
While they’re fun to watch, always give them plenty of space. They’re wild animals and can be unpredictable.
6. Rocky Reefs & Hidden Caves
Laguna Beach’s underwater landscape features rock formations, deep crevices, and even small swim-throughs, adding to the adventure.
These structures create a habitat for moray eels, sea stars, and colorful nudibranchs (tiny, vibrant sea slugs that are a favorite among underwater photographers).
At sites like Deadman’s Reef and Goff’s Cove, divers can explore large rock outcroppings covered in marine life.
7. Schools of Fish & Seasonal Visitors
Large schools of blacksmith fish, opaleye, and surfperch are common in the kelp forests and rocky reefs.
During certain times of the year, gray whales and dolphins can be spotted from the surface while gearing up for a dive.
No matter how many times you dive in Laguna Beach, there’s always something new to discover. The rich marine biodiversity, underwater landscapes, and the occasional surprise encounter makes it one of the best shore diving destinations in California.
Experience the Best of Scuba Diving in Laguna Beach
Scuba diving in Laguna Beach is an unforgettable experience. With diverse dive sites, easy shore access, and thriving marine life, it’s no wonder this stretch of coastline is a favorite among divers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Laguna Beach offers some of the best diving in Southern California. Grab your gear, check the conditions, and dive in!
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Where to Stay
The Art Hotel in North Laguna is affordable and is walking distance to several beaches and Laguna Sea Sports Dive Shop. Click this link to check availability and prices.
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