Diving in United States
Including Apra Harbor Wrecks, Channel Islands National Park, and Glencoe / Pearl Lake or Jackson Lake. On the map.
The vibe
Submerging here ranges from exploring deep historic shipwrecks in cold northern waters to drifting alongside vibrant coral walls in the sunny south. Summer and early fall offer the most comfortable water temperatures and predictable currents for a full week of boat diving. The infrastructure is deeply established, meaning well-run operations handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the marine life.
certification card and park pass
Apra Harbor Wrecks
Guam
白士 李 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Apra Harbor is a premier wreck diving destination featuring the unique historical juxtaposition of the SMS Cormoran II (WWI) and the Tokai Maru (WWII), which sank touching each other. Divers can explore these deep structural marvels alongside other harbor relics in calm, protected waters. It is an exceptional site for multi-era wreck penetration and underwater photography.
Access. Easily accessible via local scuba dive centers based around Agat and Tamuning that operate daily boat charters into the sheltered harbor.
Notes. Depths range from 20 to 40+ meters. Nitrox certification is recommended for deeper wrecks.
Channel Islands National Park
California
Andy Omvik andyomv1k / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Crystal-clear waters envelop these islands, offering breathtaking giant kelp forests, sea caves, and rocky reefs populated by sea lions and garibaldi. It is a world-class temperate diving sanctuary off the coast of Southern California.
Access. Reachable via multi-day or day-trip liveaboards and dive boats departing from Ventura and Santa Barbara harbors.
Notes. Water temperatures are cool (50°F–65°F). Currents can vary. Advanced cold-water certification and experience recommended.
Glencoe / Pearl Lake or Jackson Lake, Wyoming
Wyoming
EnLorax G. Edward Johnson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
High-altitude freshwater diving in crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, featuring submerged timber forests and unique geological formations.
Access. Shore access from regional state parks. Altitude diving certification and specialized tables/computers are required.
Notes. Cold alpine water requires thick wetsuits or drysuits. Altitude adjustments must be calculated for safety.
Key Largo, Florida Keys
Florida
Brian Fegter retgef / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Home to the famous Spiegel Grove wreck and the striking Christ of the Abyss statue in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Divers flock here for shallow coral formations teeming with marine life and easily accessible artificial reefs.
Access. Numerous local dive shops run daily boat charters out of Key Largo harbors. Most sites are suitable for Open Water divers and above.
Notes. Depths range from 25 to 130 feet. Year-round diving, though summer brings calmest surface conditions. Marine sanctuary rules apply.
Kona Coast, Big Island
Hawaii
Skarz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
World-famous for its dramatic lava tube topography, pristine coral reefs, and the iconic nighttime manta ray feeding dives. Divers experience clear volcanic waters and incredible night-diving encounters.
Access. Boat charters depart daily from Honokohau Harbor. Suitable for all certification levels with specialized night dive briefings.
Notes. Warm waters year-round (75°F–80°F). Minimal currents on most recreational sites. State park and marine conservation fees may apply.
Looe Key, Florida Keys
United States
Jstuby / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
A protected marine sanctuary featuring a stunning spur-and-groove coral reef formation with vibrant marine biodiversity, including nurse sharks, rays, and large schools of pelagics. It is widely considered one of the healthiest reef ecosystems in the Florida Keys.
Access. Accessible via dive charters operating from Big Pine Key and surrounding areas in the Lower Florida Keys.
Notes. Depths range from 15 to 40 feet. Gentle currents make it great for all experience levels. Marine sanctuary regulations strictly enforced.
Monterey Bay, California
California
Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Famed for its dramatic cold-water kelp forests, playful sea otters, and rich marine life along granite drop-offs. Shore and boat dives from Point Lobos and the Breakwater offer an entirely unique temperate diving experience.
Access. Shore diving is easily accessible at San Carlos Beach (Breakwater); boat charters leave from Monterey Harbor for offshore pinnacles and wrecks.
Notes. Water temperatures range from 48°F to 58°F requiring drysuits or thick wetsuits. Strong skills in cold water and kelp management are needed.
Outer Banks Shipwreck Belt, North Carolina
North Carolina
Jasonspsyche / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Known as the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic,' this stretch of coast features dozens of legendary WWII wrecks, civil war vessels, and artificial reefs sitting in the path of the warm Gulf Stream.
Access. Charter boats depart from inlets such as Hatteras, Morehead City, and Beaufort. Recommended for advanced or wreck-certified divers.
Notes. Depths range from 60 to 130+ feet. Strong currents and varying visibility (sometimes exceeding 80 feet due to the Gulf Stream).
Puget Sound, Washington
Washington
USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A cold-water diving paradise known for giant Pacific octopuses, colorful anemones, wolf eels, and historic artificial reefs. Sites like Redondo Beach and the Tacoma Narrows provide incredible macro and pelagic encounters.
Access. Extremely popular for shore diving with well-maintained public dive parks; boat charters are available for deeper walls and wrecks.
Notes. Temperatures stay around 45°F–54°F year-round. Drysuits are heavily recommended. Tonal currents dictate dive timing.