Summary of Key Points:

• Scuba diving offers incredible rewards, but it also comes with many potential hazards. The more you know about scuba safety, the easier it will be to avoid emergencies and enjoy your time beneath the water’s surface.

• Staying above your maximum recommended depth is an important part of scuba safety. The maximum recommended depth is 60 ft for newer recreational divers and 130 ft for trained recreational divers—but you should never dive to any depths you feel uncomfortable at or unprepared for.
• Having the right safety gear is also critical for safe scuba diving. Essential gear includes a hood and gloves, a wetsuit or drysuit, a mask and snorkel, tanks and a regulator, fins, and weights. Advanced divers may use additional equipment such as dive watches and lines.

• Planning and training is also required to scuba dive safely. Make sure to take dive classes approved by an agency like the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) before you start. Santa Barbara Aquatics provides these classes.

Scuba diving is an incredible way to see marine life, explore underwater environments, and enjoy the sensation of moving weightlessly underwater. But safety should always be priority number one for divers, which means you need to understand both the risks and best practices for this popular aquatic pastime before you begin.

We’re here to help. Santa Barbara Aquatics is run by professional divers with countless years of combined experience. In the article below, we’ll teach you all about the diving safety equipment you’ll need and the protocol you’ll have to follow if you want to dive safely and responsibly.

Why Safety Matters for Scuba Divers

Taking the proper safety precautions can make the difference between life and death for scuba divers. Following proper protocols and guidelines helps ensure that you’re able to safely explore the underwater world.

Potential Hazards for Scuba Divers

Scuba diving comes with a lot of risks, but that doesn’t mean you should be scared to try it. Still, it’s vital to know what the potential dangers of scuba diving are so you can take steps to avoid them. The following list, while not exhaustive, covers many of the hazards divers can face:

• Decompression sickness (DCS), a condition caused by dissolved gasses coming out of solution in the body while ascending quickly from a dive.

• Barotrauma, a physical injury caused by changes in pressure, such as during a rapid ascent or descent.
• Ear and sinus squeeze, a condition caused by pressure changes during descent or ascent that can cause pain or injury to the ears or sinuses.
• Hypoxia, a condition that occurs when the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygen.
• Hyperventilation (breathing too rapidly), which can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the body and can cause unconsciousness.
• Shallow water blackout, a condition that can occur when a diver holds their breath for too long and loses consciousness.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning, a condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide gas, which can occur if a diver's air supply becomes contaminated.
• Nitrogen narcosis, a condition caused by the effects of inhaling too much nitrogen at depth, which can cause hallucinations and disorientation.
• Equipment failure caused by dive gear such as masks, cylinders, or dive computers malfunctioning.
• Marine life injuries, which may occur when divers accidentally touch or harm marine animals.
• Drowning, which occurs when a diver is unable to surface for air.
• Cold water immersion, which can cause hypothermia and impact on the body functions.
• Severe sunburn, which can happen when divers spend a lot of time on or near the surface of the water.
• Motion sickness can happen when divers feel ill from the motion of the water.
• Altitude sickness can happen to divers who dive at high elevations (such as in mountain lakes).

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Maximum Depth for Scuba Divers

The maximum depth for recreational scuba diving is generally considered to be 130 ft (40 m). However, the maximum depth recommended for individual divers varies depending on the diver's experience, training, and the type of diving they are doing.

Technical divers, who receive special training, may go deeper than the recreational limit. However, it is highly recommended to get professional advice, training, and guidance before going deeper.

Going beyond the recommended recreational limit can increase your risk of decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis, while limiting your visibility and putting more pressure on your equipment— all of which can increase the likelihood of an incident.

Recommended Safe Maximum Depths for Different Levels of Divers

One of the best ways to stay safe underwater is by knowing your limits and going no further than the depths you’re comfortable with. Here’s what we suggest for divers at different experience levels:

Beginner Divers:

If you’re new to recreational diving, go no deeper than 60 ft (18 m). Not only will you need more training to handle the challenges of deeper dives, but you’ll also probably need more advanced gear than starter equipment.

See Also:

• Santa Barbara Aquatics Open Water Dive Course

Trained Recreational Divers:

Once you’ve completed advanced scuba training and have considerable experience under your belt, you can start going down to the maximum recreational limit of 130 ft (40m). Advanced technical divers sometimes go below these depths, but this requires specialized training and equipment. Also, remember that the same risks exist no matter how much training you have had, and never try to dive below depths that make you afraid or uncomfortable.

See Also:

• Santa Barbara Aquatics Advanced Open Water Course

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Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba gear plays a massive role in your safety, so you’ll need to invest carefully in your equipment. Below, we’ll break down what you need if you’re just starting out, and what you’ll want to add to your kit as you progress.

Essential Gear for Scuba Diving

Every scuba diver needs the following equipment:

• Wetsuit or drysuit: exposure protection that helps regulate your body temperature when you’re underwater.
• Hood and gloves: to keep your face and hands warm.
• Mask and snorkel: to help you breathe when swimming near the surface. You’ll use a regulator hooked up to your tank to provide breathing gas when you’re underwater.
• Scuba tanks and regulators: your tanks hold your air (or diving gas if you’re diving at depths that require nitrox). Your regulator lets you breathe it safely by adjusting its pressure to match that of the surrounding environment.
• Fins: footwear that helps you propel yourself efficiently underwater.
• Weights: you’ll attach these to your suit to compensate for the buoyancy added by your tanks and suit.

Additional Equipment for More Advanced Divers

Once you’ve mastered the basics of scuba diving, you might want to incorporate the following into your gear.

• Buoyancy compensator: an adjustable vest or jacket that lets you create neutral buoyancy underwater so you can maintain your depth, and positive buoyancy at the surface so that you can float.
• Dive computer: devices that provide key insights in real-time about your current dive—such as depth, dive time, and more. Some also contain a digital compass to help you navigate underwater.
• Dive lines or reels: These can be used to mark points along your path so you can find your way back to the dive site. They’re often used for cave diving.
• Dive alert systems: Emergency devices you can use to signal the surface for rescue if something goes wrong during your dive.
• Stage tanks: Tanks that provide different decompression gasses at various depths during your ascent.

Importance of Proper Maintenance and Upkeep of Equipment

Proper maintenance of scuba equipment is vital to maintain its safety and performance. Get your scuba equipment inspected and serviced regularly by a certified technician, and make sure to clean and rinse it after each use. This includes checking for leaks, wear and tear, and proper functioning of all parts.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance, and keep detailed records of all inspections and services. This keeps your gear in good working order and ready for your next dive.

Best Practices

Now that you have an idea of scuba’s risks and required equipment, here are some tips to help you stay as safe as possible on your underwater adventures:

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Use the Buddy System

We strongly recommend diving with a partner for mutual support in case of an emergency. It’s best to stay visible to each other, and maintain verbal communication through a radio or similar device whenever possible.

When using the buddy system, each diver monitors their partners air supply, dive computer, and overall well-being. This allows you to provide help for your partner quickly in case of an emergency. The buddy system also makes it easier to navigate while diving.

Plan Your Dive

The more you know about your environment before you dive, the easier it will be to anticipate and avoid hazards. You’ll also be able to explore more efficiently by reducing the risk of getting lost.

To plan a dive effectively, consider the following:

• Your dive site: where will you be diving?
• Dive conditions: what will the weather be like? What about the water temperature, tides, and visibility?
• Dive limits: what will your maximum depth be? What about your maximum dive time? Do not exceed your training or go out of your comfort zone.

Make sure to go over this information again immediately prior to your dive, in a dive briefing held with your partner or group. You should also take this opportunity to go over communication protocols (including any hand signals you might use while diving).

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Have a Strategy for Emergencies

You and your partner should have a plan in place for how to handle any emergency situations that arise during your dive. This will help prevent you from panicking and give you a procedure to rely on if something goes wrong.

Your emergency plan should include:

• Emergency signals: the signs you’ll use to let your partner or group know something is wrong.
• Rescue procedures: what you’ll do to rescue a diver in trouble or surface during an emergency (you’ll learn this in your training, but you should always make sure your dive group is on the same page)
• Checking your emergency equipment to make sure it’s working properly.
• Finding emergency support: make sure everyone knows where the nearest rescue teams are stationed and that they know where you’ll be before you dive.
• Communication devices: make sure someone is able to contact emergency services if you need them.
• Separation procedures: make sure everyone in your group knows what to do if you lose track of each other.

Get Proper Training Before You Dive

The tips in this article are a great summary of what to consider when you’re planning a scuba diving adventure, but they’re not a replacement for formal instruction and training. Remember, you need to get certified by a recognized training organization before you can legally dive in most countries.

Santa Barbara Aquatics offers dive classes for people at all experience levels. Our courses are approved by PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors), one of the largest and most widely-recognized training agencies in the world.

Immerse Yourself in Scuba Diving Safety

Now that you have an overview of why scuba safety matters, the necessary equipment and training, and some tips you can use to stay safe underwater, it’s time to start planning your next dive! To learn more about scuba training or get help finding the best gear for your needs, contact Santa Barbara Aquatics. One of our team members will be happy to help make sure you’re prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

Summary:

• The pressure for scuba tanks is measured in psi (Pounds per Square Inch). Low pressure tanks have 2400 or 2640 psi, while high pressure tanks have 3300, 3442, or 3500 psi. 3000 psi is considered a standard pressure. 
• Low pressure tanks hold less air and take up more space than high pressure tanks. However, they also experience less wear and tear and take less time to fill.  
• High pressure tanks are more compact and can be filled with more air. 
• High pressure steel tanks are more negatively buoyant than aluminum tanks, allowing divers to wear less weight on their belt or BCD.
• Generally high pressure tanks are recommended for divers on longer and deeper dives. Santa Barbara Aquatics sells a wide range of high-quality tanks at various pressures and can help you find the best option for your needs.

The term “scuba diving tank” is actually a bit of a misnomer, since “tank” is technically a term used to describe unpressurized containers (think of the gas tank in your car or truck). Scuba tanks, on the other hand, might more accurately be termed “pressure vessels” or “compressed gas cylinders”, since they hold purified air that’s been pressurized to various degrees, depending on the kind you’re buying—but of course, “scuba tank” is a lot easier to say. 

More important than what you call your scuba tank, however, is the fact that different tanks have different levels of pressure. If you want to have the best possible experience next time you’re underwater, it’s important to know the differences between high pressure and low pressure tanks so you can choose the kind that will serve you best. Below, our pro divers at Santa Barbara Aquatics explain the pros and cons of these different options so you can shop for the gear you need with confidence. Let’s dive in!

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Why Do Scuba Tanks Have Different Pressure Levels?

Scuba tanks are available at a variety of different pressure levels (measured in psi, which stands for Pounds per Square Inch), but the most common pressure levels you’ll find when you go shopping for equipment are: 

• 2400 psi 
• 2640 psi 
• 3000 psi 
• 3300 psi 
• 3442 psi 
• 3500 psi

Generally, divers will select higher pressure tanks for more technically-demanding expeditions, whereas lower pressure tanks are often chosen for their comparative reliability and ease of use. Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of each type so you can see their advantages and potential drawbacks.

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What Are Low Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks? 

2400 psi and 2640 psi scuba tanks are considered “low pressure”. Lower pressure tanks experience less strain on regulators and valve components, which means that these tanks are likely to last the longest and need less maintenance than high pressure tanks. Filling a tank to 2400 or 2640 psi also takes less time and puts less strain on your compressor. 

Of course, there’s no such thing as a “zero maintenance” scuba tank, and checking your equipment before diving is an absolute must to ensure your safety. It’s also vital not to overfill your tanks—lower pressure tanks do not hold as much air as high pressure versions, but trying to fit more air in your tank than it is rated for can be dangerous. Contact us to learn more about how to properly fill your tank before diving.

Pros

• Faster to fill with compressed air 
• Puts less strain on air compressor 
• Puts less strain on valves & regulators 
• Can last longer than high-pressure tanks 

Cons

• Less air capacity 
• Bulkier than high pressure tanks

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What Are High Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks? 

Anything from 3300 psi to 3500 psi is considered a high pressure scuba tank. These tanks can be filled with a larger volume of compressed air, and are typically smaller than low-pressure tanks—making them popular choices for more experienced divers (including many technical divers). 

The higher pressure of the air inside can cause more wear and tear on components, even in high-quality tanks, but one handy trick you can use to get around this is to strategically underfill the tank. For example, a 3442 psi tank will still hold 89 cubic feet of air at 3000 psi—enough for the vast majority of recreational dives. This will help your tank last longer, and you’ll still have the option to fill it to the maximum pressure for dives when you really need the extra amount.

Pros 

• More compact 
• Can hold more air 
• Can be strategically underfilled to reduce wear and tear 

Cons

• More time required to fill completely 
• Regulators can experience wear and tear at max pressure 
• Filling to maximum can strain some air compressors

When to Choose Low Pressure vs. High Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks 

Newer and more casual divers will likely want to begin with lower pressure scuba tanks, whereas experienced divers who need the extra breathing room for longer and deeper dives may benefit from purchasing tanks rated for higher pressures. 

To learn more about finding the best tank for your needs and pick up tips for using it most effectively, reach out to us and speak with one of our experienced divers—we sell a wide range of high-quality scuba tanks with different pressure levels, and we’ll also show you how to fill your tank and take care of it so you can always count on it during your dives.

Take the Pressure Out of Scuba Tank Shopping 

Knowing you have the right scuba gear gives you the confidence to truly immerse yourself in your next underwater excursion. Use what you’ve learned above to start shopping for your next scuba tank, and contact us with your questions so you can make sure you’re getting the best equipment for your needs.

Summary:

• Florida is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near Miami, The Florida Keys, and Tampa. 
• Most of the snorkeling spots on this list feature clear, warm water and plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife. Examples include fish, crabs, nurse sharks (which aren’t threatening to humans), dolphins, and manatees. 
• A few of the locations mentioned also feature unique underwater landscapes—such as coral reefs, ruins, or fossils.

Yes, snorkeling is inherently fun—but the best part is exploring stunning underwater environments. Whether you’re new to this underwater activity or are already comfortable using masks and fins, you’ll want to find the best spots around to spot marine plants and animals in breathtaking surroundings (don’t worry; as long as you use high-quality snorkel equipment, your breath should be just fine). 

Santa Barbara Aquatics is owned and operated by experienced diving pros who have firsthand experience exploring some of the most beautiful snorkeling and scuba spots in the world. Below, we’ll show you 10 of our favorite Florida finds so that you can make the most of your next trip to The Sunshine State.

See Also:

• Snorkels
• Snorkeling Masks

Snorkeling Near the Florida Keys

#10: Dry Tortugas

You’ll need to take a seaplane or boat to reach these unique islands approximately 70 miles from Key West, but the trip is worth it—we promise. The water in this area is crystal clear, and the sheer variety of marine life that inhabits it means you’ll almost certainly make a few new friends.

#9: Bahia Honda

The sights above the water at this State Park are nearly gorgeous enough to rival the rock formations and soft beds of seagrass beneath. The palms along the shoreline and historic architecture are quintessentially Floridian. Meanwhile, the abundance of lobsters and starfish that hang out underneath the water’s surface indicate that the area is just as popular among ocean critters as it is among visitors and residents.

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#8: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Did you know that North America only has one barrier coral reef—and that it’s here in this park? If that wasn’t enough to get you excited, it also happens to be the third largest barrier coral reef on Earth (the others are Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Central America’s Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System).

Snorkeling Near Miami & Fort Lauderdale

#7: Biscayne National Park 

If you’re looking for gorgeous underwater vistas you can visit without venturing too far from Miami, Biscayne National Park is the perfect place. Coral reefs? Check. Old abandoned ships? Check. A mangrove habitat? Sure, why not? There’s a ton to see here, and the water is nearly always the perfect temperature.

#6: Hollywood North Beach Park 

Visit this 56-acre stretch of beachfront near Fort Lauderdale to experience stunning blue water and a plethora of ocean wildlife—including sea turtles and nurse sharks (slow-moving bottom dwellers that almost always leave humans alone unless actively provoked). 

Snorkeling Near Tampa & St. Petersburg

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#5: Fort De Soto 

The turquoise waters surrounding this popular tourist destination are a good enough reason to snorkel here, but there’s one major reason Fort De Soto makes our list—it’s one of the only places on this list where you can count on being able to swim with families of manatees! These gentle giants are docile but curious, making them excellent underwater companions for a day (just don’t touch them, please—how would you like it if strangers were always coming up and touching you?).

#4: Old Fort Dade 

Fort Dade dates back all the way to the Spanish-American war, although most of it now exists beneath the waves surrounding Egmont Key. Still, that’s good news for snorkelers, who can spot all kinds of interesting sea creatures inhabiting these structures—including dolphins! 

#3: Point of Rocks 

An excellent snorkeling opportunity for families with younger children, Point of Rocks is located in Siesta Key, at one end of Crescent Beach. The water is only a few feet deep here, and always calm—so it’s easy to keep track of your little ones. But there’s plenty for adults to see here, too; the limestone rocks under the water for which the area is named create unique formations that attract fish, crabs, small sharks, and occasionally dolphins and manatees as well. This is easy-access snorkeling at its finest.

Snorkeling Spots Off the Beaten Path

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#2: Devil’s Den 

A subterranean natural pool surrounded by stalactites and fossil beds? Yes, there’s something a little spooky about this spot (but with a name like “Devil’s Den”, what did you expect?). But it’s also unlike any of the other entries on this list. Another unique thing about Devil’s Den is that it’s inland—that’s right, you’ll need to drive to Williston for this one. And since it’s privately owned, there’s also a price for admission… but we think it’s more than worth it.

#1: Silver Glen Springs 

Ocala National Forest on the shores of Lake George is home to this universally-beloved basin, which offers snorkeling and other aquatic activities in fresh water so clear it might as well be gin (and which always stays a perfect 73 °F). One of the area’s unique features is the presence of middens—which used to be ancient trash heaps used by the village that once occupied the area. Today, these structures contain an array of common items from the period, plus a variety of fossilized snail shells. They’re like little time capsules!

Start Planning Your Florida Snorkeling Adventure Today 

Florida is full of incredible snorkeling spots, but we swear by the 10 listed above and believe you’ll love them too. To learn more about snorkeling in Florida—including what kind of gear you’ll need—contact Santa Barbara Aquatics and speak with an experienced professional diver who can help make sure you’re properly prepared for an unforgettable experience.

Summary:

• California is full of beautiful places to snorkel—including many unique locations near San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara.

• Most of the snorkeling spots on this list feature calm waters, sea life (including sea lions), and stunning underwater landscapes.

• Most of these locations are easily accessible from major towns or cities, but provide enough seclusion that you can explore them without feeling crowded by tourists. For more advice on planning your California snorkeling adventure, contact Santa Barbara Aquatics for more information and gear recommendations.

Pack your snorkeling gear and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget in The Golden State! California is known for its clear and diverse waters, which make it one of the world’s best destinations for snorkeling.

The state is home to a number of different ecosystems, ranging from rocky shorelines to sheltered bays, and these environments offer a wide variety of underwater landscapes for snorkelers to explore, as well as plenty of marine life to encounter. Below, you’ll find recommendations straight from our experienced professional divers at Santa Barbara Aquatics, who know all the best spots in California and are happy to share their secrets with you!

See Also:

 

• The Best Snorkeling Spots in Florida

Snorkeling Near San Diego

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#10: La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is known for its crystal clear water and ecologically-protected underwater environment. To get there, take the La Jolla Cove exit off of I-5 and park in the nearby public parking lot. Visibility here reaches up to 30 feet on a clear day—and underwater, you can see a variety of colorful fish, sea anemones, and kelp forests.

#9: San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park

Located just a few miles north of La Jolla Cove, the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is another popular snorkeling destination for snorkeling. To get there, simply take the La Jolla Cove exit off of I-5 and park in the nearby public parking lot.

The water is clear and has good visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling. Underwater, you'll find rocky reefs, kelp beds, submarine canyons, and sand flats. You might even see whales, which are known to frequent the area!

Snorkeling Near Los Angeles

#8: Lover’s Cove at Catalina Island

Catalina Island is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. To get there, take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. The clear water here is home to abundant marine life including sea urchins, colorful fish, and even seals.

Lovers Cove is located on the east end of Catalina Island and is a protected marine reserve, making it a serene and secluded snorkeling location. You’ll likely spot rockfish, garibaldi, kelp bass, and maybe even an octopus or two!

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#7: Casino Point Dive Park at Catalina Island

Casino Point Dive Park is located on the southern end of Catalina Island To get there, take a short boat ride from the city of Avalon. Enter via stairs that wind down into the water to explore a rich underwater garden teeming with sea life and populated by at least a few shipwrecks as well.

#6: Venice Beach

For those who want to snorkel closer to LA proper, Venice Beach is a great option. To get there, take the Venice Beach exit off of I-10 and follow the road to the beach. Often called Southern California’s playground by the sea, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of other activities besides world-class snorkeling here—sunbathing, restaurants, and shopping on nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard (to name just a few).

Snorkeling Near Santa Barbara

#5: Leadbetter Beach

C’mon—you knew we were going to include a few Santa Barbara destination on this list, didn’t you? After all, it’s in the name! Leadbetter Beach is located right in Santa Barbara itself—to get there, just take the Leadbetter Beach exit off of Highway 101 and follow the road until you arrive. The warm water offers excellent visibility here and plays host to a number of sea creatures (this is a particularly good spot to see starfish).

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#4: Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach is a small, secluded beach located in Santa Barbara. It also has its own exit off Highway 101, so you can’t miss it! There’s also free parking, which is a huge plus when you’re traveling in a car full of snorkeling gear.

The average water temperature here is about 65 degrees in the summer, and the sunsets here are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely not a spot you want to miss.

Snorkeling in Other Regions

#3: Point Lobos State Reserve in Caramel

Point Lobos State Reserve is located on the Monterey Peninsula and is known as one of the most picturesque regions in the Caramel area. Boasting one of the most diverse marine habitats in the state, this is far and away one of the most unforgettable snorkeling spots around and also features a museum in the historic Whalers Cabin built in the 1800s by fishermen from China.

#2: Garrapata State Beach

Garrapata State Beach is located in Big Sur and is known for its incredible coastline. To get there, take the Garrapata State Beach exit off of Highway 1. Diverse coastal vegetation awaits you beneath the water’s surface, with sea lions and sea otters aplenty.

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#1: Natural Bridges State Beach

An amazing spot (albeit one with a somewhat vanilla name), Natural Bridges State Beach is located in Santa Cruz and is known for its stunning underwater environment. Named for the striking natural rock formations that rise out of the water, it’s also a thriving habitat for starfish, sea anemones, and various fish. To get there, take the Natural Bridges Drive exit off of Highway. The water is calm and offers fantastic visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling.

Start Planning Your California Snorkeling Adventure Today

California has no shortage of breathtaking places to snorkel, but the 10 above are definitely some of our favorites—and we’re sure you’ll love them as well. Learn more about preparing for your California snorkeling getaway by contacting Santa Barbara Aquatics—we’ll be happy to tell you everything you need to know about how to have the time of your life.