Laguna Beach is a diver’s paradise, boasting some of the most stunning underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity in Southern California. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this guide will help you discover the top dive shops and dive spots in Laguna Beach.
Top Dive Shops in Laguna Beach
1. Beach Cities Scuba
Location: 925 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: Beach Cities Scuba
Contact: (949) 494-6965
Beach Cities Scuba is a well-known name in the diving community, with multiple locations across Southern California. They offer a comprehensive range of services including PADI certifications, equipment rentals and sales, gear servicing, and dive travel arrangements. The shop is praised for its knowledgeable instructors and strong community engagement through clubs and events. Popular dive spots frequented by Beach Cities Scuba include Shaw’s Cove, Diver’s Cove, and Crescent Bay (Beach Cities Scuba) (Chamber of Commerce) (Roadtrippers) (Dive Training Magazine).
2. Crown Valley Divers
Location: 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: Crown Valley Divers
Contact: (949) 455-7859
Crown Valley Divers is another excellent dive shop known for its personalized service. They provide PADI certifications, guided dives, equipment sales and servicing, and dive travel packages. The shop’s staff are highly knowledgeable and offer tailored advice and training to meet the specific needs of divers (Enjoy OC).
3. Escape Dive
Location: 24204 Zancon, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Website: Escape Dive
Contact: (949) 413-8700
Escape Dive is renowned for its customer-focused approach, emphasizing safety and personalized attention. They offer flexible scheduling for dive classes and trips, making it convenient for divers with varying schedules (Enjoy OC).
4. Lost Winds Dive Shop
Locations:
- 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
- 2411 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Website: Lost Winds Dive Shop
Contact: (949) 670-6029 (Dana Point), (949) 303-0835 (San Clemente)
Lost Winds Dive Shop has multiple locations and provides PADI certifications, equipment rentals and sales, and gear for spearfishing and freediving. The shop is known for its wide range of services and convenient locations (Enjoy OC).
Best Dive Spots in Laguna Beach
1. Shaw’s Cove
Shaw’s Cove is a popular dive spot, especially for beginners. It offers easy beach entry and protected waters, ensuring calm conditions and excellent visibility. The main attraction here is “The Crevice,” a deep channel and underwater rock arch teeming with marine life such as garibaldi, lobsters, octopuses, and more. Shaw’s Cove is also a great spot for night diving (Outdoor SoCal) (Enjoy OC).
2. Diver’s Cove
Diver’s Cove is perfect for both novice and advanced divers. The cove is well-protected, making it ideal for beginners. It features abundant marine life, including garibaldi, sea stars, and occasionally stingrays and leopard sharks. This spot is also known for excellent night diving opportunities (Visit Laguna Beach) (Enjoy OC).
3. Heisler Park (Picnic Beach)
Heisler Park, also known as Picnic Beach, is known for its lush kelp forests and diverse marine species. It provides easy shore access and good facilities, making it a favorite among divers. The park’s waters are home to a variety of fish and other marine life, offering an engaging underwater experience (California Diving News).
4. Crescent Bay
Crescent Bay is famous for its underwater rock formations and proximity to Seal Rock, where divers can encounter sea lions. Further out, Dead Man’s Reef is a highlight, teeming with marine life. This spot is popular among advanced divers for its challenging dives and unique marine encounters (Enjoy OC).
5. Fisherman’s Cove
Also known as Boat Canyon, Fisherman’s Cove is notable for Mermaid’s Grotto, a deep hole in the reef. It offers a serene environment to watch marine life and is often dived in conjunction with Diver’s Cove. This spot provides an interesting geological landscape and a variety of marine species (California Diving News).
Conclusion
Laguna Beach offers an exceptional diving experience with its diverse marine life, stunning underwater landscapes, and well-equipped dive shops. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the dive spots and shops in Laguna Beach provide everything you need for a memorable underwater adventure. From the beginner-friendly Shaw’s Cove to the advanced challenges of Crescent Bay, Laguna Beach has something to offer for every diver.
