Amazing Places to Go Scuba Diving in the USA

Enter an underwater paradise of rainbow-hued fish, playful dolphins and other wildlife as you scuba dive off stunning coasts across the USA. Whether you choose to wade in gentle waters, dive natural reefs or explore human-made creations, these are some of the best scuba spots. Grab your reef-friendly sunscreen and get ready for the aquatic adventure of a lifetime. 

Dive in the Golden State: Los Angeles and San Diego, California

Massive kelp forests are a staple of scuba diving in California. These majestic plants can reach lengths of up to 45 meters and are home to ecosystems rich with life. Experience the kelp forests at the Avalon Underwater Dive Park at Casino Point on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. The water is often calm, allowing divers to explore mini-walls and nearby shipwreck sites easily. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous flying fish and brilliant orange Garibaldi. Those seeking a more secluded diving spot should visit Wreck Alley off the coast of San Diego. This spot is famous for its four shipwrecks, including the 112-meter-long HMCS Yukon sitting on its side.

Experience Hawaiʻi: Maui and Oʻahu

Crystal-clear waters and centuries of volcanic activity make Hawaiʻi scuba diving one of a kind. Explore vast caverns and lava shoots at Lāna‘i Cathedrals off the coast of Maui. These otherworldly underwater structures are a popular spot for dolphins, migrating whales and schools of colorful fish. Off the coast of Oʻahu, not far from Waikīkī, divers can explore abandoned shipwrecks teeming with sea life. USS YO-257 is a sunken refueling ship that attracts green sea turtles, manta rays and barracuda. Another neighboring wreck, the San Pedro, makes this a great two-for-one scuba diving site.

Discover Florida Gems: Key Largo and Deerfield Beach

From deep-sea Atlantic Ocean wrecks to the sparkling blue waters of the Florida Keys, Florida is home to diverse ecosystems that are perfect for diving. In Key Largo, the reefs are shallow, making them ideal for divers and snorkelers. Nearby visitors can explore the famous Christ of the Abyss, an epic underwater bronze statue. North of Miami on the Atlantic coast, Deerfield Beach boasts reef tracts close to the shore, multiple shipwrecks and warm waters year-round. Starting at less than 2 meters deep and roughly 20 meters offshore, it’s an easily accessible spot for snorkeling and shore diving. Divers can spot reef fish, sea turtles and other marine life.

Explore Alaska: Anchorage and Seward

Scuba diving in Alaska is more accessible than you may think. The waters are around the same temperature as many Pacific Ocean sites, meaning a standard insulated dry suit and gear will keep you warm during your dive. Explore unforgettable locations, including sunken airplanes and World War II wreckage in Smitty’s Cove near Whittier. This is a popular spot to see native fauna, including wolf eels, rockfish, hermit crabs and octopuses. At Resurrection Bay near Seward, plunging sea walls and ocean floor pinnacles create an underwater landscape rich with sunflower stars, plumose anemone and more. Nearby, divers can witness lion’s mane jellyfish, harbor seals and sea otters swim by.

Tropical Escapes in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Warm turquoise waters create unforgettable scuba diving getaways in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dive sites around this Caribbean getaway are a paradise for marine life and boast tropical weather year-round, meaning there’s never a bad time to visit. Coki Beach, next to Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas, features fringing reefs just 45 meters offshore, making it an easy afternoon dive. Here, the stars of the underwater show include parrotfish, angelfish, stingrays and sea turtles.

Guam’s Scuba Haven

In the West Pacific, the U.S. territory of Guam showcases untouched beaches and secluded scuba dive sites, perfect for observing natural reefs and other wonders. At roughly 15 meters, the American Tanker in Apra Harbor is an exciting dive for experts and beginners alike. The sunken World War II barge has been converted into an artificial reef and supports a robust ecosystem. Take a photo with an underwater American flag on the tanker and watch schools of multi-colored fish dart around the barge.