San Diego's underwater environment is ever-evolving, with water temperature and visibility conditions that can shift from one hour to the next. Traditionally, fall is hailed as the prime season for snorkeling and diving in the region. It often treats divers to relatively warmer waters and unparalleled visibility. But, of course, this isn't set in stone. Nature always keeps us on our toes.

Again, these are simply averages. We regularly witness exceptions, and the ocean sometimes has surprises in store.

If you are data-driven, we've been diligently recording specific conditions, trip by trip, since 2021. Our historical data covers metrics like surface temperature, bottom temperature, wind speed, wind direction, swell height, swell period, and visibility for each of the dives.

For a broader perspective on the sea state, you might find the NOAA waters forecast valuable. It offers a macro view of the conditions to expect over the next 5 days.

To guarantee your comfort and safety in Southern California's chilly waters, appropriate exposure protection is a must.

While snorkelers can get away with thinner surf wetsuits or even just a bathing suit in the hottest summer months, the standard minimum outfit for diving is a 7mm wetsuit, complemented by a hood, booties, and gloves.

Here's a quick gear guide for those diving in our waters:

You're welcome to rent 7mm wetsuits, hood, booties, and gloves from us, but if you are certified and would like to rent a drysuit, we recommend doing so from Beyond Land Adventures or Ocean Enterprises.

Don't worry if you're coming solo, as we'll be happy to pair you up with a buddy on board, aiming to match you with someone of similar goals and experience (for those coming with a buddy, we might ask you to welcome solo divers into your dive group).

Solo divers are welcome only if they carry the necessary safety equipment and hold an acceptable self-reliant/solo diver certification.

For your convenience, all our trips come equipped with complimentary tanks and weights. Depending on the vessel:

Given that boat assignments are determined close to your trip date, we suggest bringing one tank per dive if you have specific requirements. Beyond Land Adventures and Ocean Enterprises are our go-to suggestions for renting more specific tanks.

We supply hard led weights in 2, 3, 4, and 5-pound increments.

While our rental BCDs feature integrated weight pockets, we also offer complimentary weight belts for those who prefer them.

Our attentive crew is on hand to assist with weight checks before your initial dive, ensuring you're perfectly balanced for the experience ahead.

You're invited to hunt lobster, sea urchins, and scallops from our licensed commercial fishing vessels. To do so, ensure you're prepared with:

While sea urchins and scallops can be harvested year-round in San Diego, California spiny lobster season typically runs from the last Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after the 15th of March.

Be sure to check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for any updates on harvesting lobsters, sea urchins, and scallops. This includes size limits, catch limits, and specific areas where collecting may be restricted or prohibited.

For the safety of our guests, we only allow spearfishing on our private dive charters.

Playful creatures often found around La Jolla Reefs and a guaranteed sighting at the Coronado Islands, a year-round sea lion rookery paradise.

Commonly spotted in both nearshore and offshore waters, including bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins.

Commonly observed along the coast during their migration from Alaska to Baja California from December through April.

The largest animals on the planet, visible during their migration season, typically from May through September.

Known for their spectacular breaching behavior, seen during their migration season, typically from December through April.

Though rare, green sea turtles can occasionally be spotted, especially around areas with seagrass like the Marine Room in La Jolla.

Common sightings in kelp forests and canyons off Point Loma or La Jolla during late winter through early summer, their breeding season.

Small, bottom-dwelling sharks commonly found in kelp forests and sandy areas, recognizable by their blunt head and horn-like spines.

Best observed by snorkeling in the shallow waters of La Jolla Shores during the summer and early fall.

Read our complete SoCal Sharks Guide here.

Frequently seen in the kelp forests of San Diego, they are a majestic sight and highly sought after by underwater photographers for their impressive size and demeanor.

California's state marine fish, easily recognizable by their bright orange color, commonly seen around kelp beds and rocky shores.

Distinguished by their black heads and tails with a red mid-section, commonly found around kelp beds and rocky areas.

Often found in and around kelp beds and rocky environments, a common sighting in most of our dives.

Often found gliding along sandy bottoms of La Jolla and around kelp forests.

These fish are usually found in shallow, rocky habitats and around kelp forests.

Camouflaged within the kelp forests, these fish blend perfectly with their surroundings.

A large, bottom-dwelling fish often found in kelp forests and rocky areas, known for their camouflaging abilities.

A popular game fish, often seen around offshore kelp forests and at the Wreck Alley.

Located in rocky crevices and kelp forests, especially around Point Loma and La Jolla.

Including the California two-spot octopus, hiding in crevices and showing remarkable camouflage skills.

Green and California moray eels can be spotted in rocky crevices.

These echinoderms are commonly found on the ocean floor, providing a unique sight with their soft, elongated bodies.

An incredible variety of colorful sea slugs found on the ocean floor in coral-rich areas.

A fascinating species to observe along sandy ocean floors like La Jolla Shores.

Including the ochre sea star and the giant spined star, found clinging to rocks, some wrecks, and within kelp forests.

Often found in kelp forest environments in large quantities.