Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Orange County
Ready to check out the best sites in Orange County for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 19 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Orange County to suit your needs.
#1 - Aliso Beach Park
California South, USA West
Unrated
(6)
Are you a new diver looking to get your fins wet in a forgiving environment? This is the place! Bring a couple of tanks, a picnic lunch, and sunscreen, and you'll be set for a very relaxing day.
Located 1.8 miles North of South Laguna, and 2 miles South of Laguna Beach.
#2 - Shaws Cove
California South, USA West
beginner
(39)
More rocky coastline and spectacular canyons await you at Shaw's cove. The diving is a breeze during good sea conditions.
Make a left on Fairview Street about 3/4 mile North of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna. The entrance is at the intersection with Cliff.
#3 - Laguna Beach
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(1)
Sandy bottom with Rays and sand sharks
Direct from beach
#4 - Crescent Cove
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(1)
Great reef and tide pool when waves are low. Added point of interest is Seal Rock, just west of the reef. Here many Harbor seals can be observed sunning themselves, and if your lucky, you may have find some playful seal waiting below the surface. A favorite dive.
#5 - Rock Pile
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(1)
Sea lions, Nudibranchs, sea Stars
Southern end of Heisler Park
#6 - Bourgeoisie Cove
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Lots of small to medium reef structure spread out in the sand.
Bourgeoisie Cove is also known as Rich Man Cove.
#8 - San Juan Rocks
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Calico bass some kelp and halibut in the sand with rays.
Western end of Dana Point
San Juan Rocks is also known as Dana Point.
#9 - Oil Rigs Elly-Ellen
USA, California, LA County
beginner
(0)
anemones and Sea Lions
South of Hunington Beach
#10 - Cleo Street Barge
USA, California, Orange County
intermediate
(0)
old barge that sunk in the 40 or 50...good photo opps.
its about .5 of a mile from shore in front of a brown house with white windows...
Cleo Street Barge is also known as Foss 125.
#11 - Bird Rock
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Invertebrates, Garaboldi Sheepshead, sea Stars
North End of Main Beach
#12 - Picnic Beach
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Mostly dive training
North end of Heisler Park
#13 - Monument Point
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
nudibranchs, Garibaldi, sheepshead and Sea Lions
Center of Heisler Park
#14 - Little Corona Beach
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Little Corona Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, California, Orange County which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#15 - Fisherman's Cove
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Along the 600 block of Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach.
#16 - Dead Man's Reef
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Watch for boat traffic in the area.
Dead Man's can be hard to find. It requires a good half-hour surface swim headed south from the end of Crescent cove.
#17 - Woods Cove
USA, California, Orange County
intermediate
(0)
Be aware of the swell/waves.
South in Laguna. Enter to the right of the big rock on shore
#18 - Aliso
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Saw a lot of interesting things.
By boat or by shore.
Aliso is also known as Aliso Beach.
#19 - Diver's Cove
USA, California, Orange County
beginner
(0)
Student dive spot: Sand and rock bottom with Moray eels, Lobsters...
Best diving is on the outer edge of the reef between Diver's Cove and Boat Canyon. Cracks in the reef go deep in the rock, some as wide as four feet and as high as fifteen feet. Harbor seals frequently play in these channels.
In Laguna Beach, along the 600 block of Cliff Drive. Park Metered street parking. Sandy beach entry. Reef is in front of the condos.