Local destinations for diving in Southern California are plentiful and some of the best is just right off the beach. In Orange County and in the city of Laguna Beach some of the best diving can be found. The only dive shop now in Laguna Beach is Laguna Sea Sports and it has been in business for almost 40 years. They offer full scuba certification of levels from BASIC to DIVE MASTER. They offer PADI certifications. They are now part of Beach Cities Scuba.

It is located just above the number one dive-training beach in Southern California, Shaw's Cove. Laguna beach area has over 30 plus sites for divers to experience some fantastic beach diving. The dive club called the, Laguna Sea Dwellers, who have members ranging in skills from basic up to and including Instructor has now gone independent and is associated with several dive shops in the area.

One of those dive shops is Scuba World located in the city of Orange at 1706 N. Tustin, Orange CA 92865. They offer great discounts and are a full service shop. They do repairs and offer Dive Club Members 10% discounts. Their phone number is: (714) 998-6382.

The Channel Islands off the coast of California you find more spectacular diving and California's famous kelp forest. The Santa Barbara Channel Islands, Catalina Island and San Clemente Island are world class as dive destinations. The next time you consider getting away for a few days of rest and relaxation, think about a live aboard cruise to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. An alternative to the floating hotel-like atmosphere of cruise ships, this type of cruising offers a more intimate communion with the ocean and its creatures.

The Truth Aquatics fleet, moored in romantic Santa Barbara, California, caters to divers or those just seeking a stress-free getaway. In 1996, Truth Aquatics placed sixth in Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine's reader's choice in the Top 100 Overall best diving excursions. They also received top awards in best value for diving dollar, most big animals encountered, fourth best destination in the US, number one in best dive staff, best day boat and highest overall rating for any dive operation in the US.

Over at Catalina Island you have dive operators like, Catalina Divers Supply, which offers shore and boat diving. Enjoy the smooth ride of the SCUBA CAT, Avalon's only dive boat built especially for dive and snorkel activities. The SCUBA CAT is available for individuals, groups or private charter; dive packages also available- call 310.510.0330 for reservations. Diving off Catalina's Casino Point is one of many a new divers first taste of kelp diving off the coast of California. You can find many a dive site all along the coast of Catalina Island, from Avalon to Isthmus Cove. They have a Hyperbaric Chamber on Catalina Island available to serve all of Southern California.

Out of San Diego - http://www.heff.net/scuba/features/boats.shtml, you will find several fine dive operations; Live-Aboard and single day dive trips to US and Mexican waters aboard the Horizon and Ocean Odyssey departing from San Diego. Offering many trips to San Clemente Island. Schedules on-line. Another dive operator is: Lois Ann Charters, San Diego Mission Bay San Diego dive boat, 28' with Nitrox. Dive trips to the kelp beds, wreck alley including the Yukon, and the Coranado Islands.