Viz for Days!

If you've been diving recently, you've probably heard people talking about "Viz for days"—and for good reason! Right now, visibility often stretches beyond 60 feet, unveiling breathtaking underwater landscapes that seem like something out of a dream. Clear, wide-open waters create the perfect backdrop for your next dive adventure. You won’t just be diving; you’ll be exploring a world where everything feels larger than life.

It's Warm!

Surprisingly, the warmest diving months in California aren’t in the middle of summer, but in September, October, and November. The ocean heats up slowly, so by fall, the water’s temperature is just right. Picture it like warming up a chilly bath by gradually adding hot water—by this time of year, the ocean is in that perfect, cozy phase. With the sun shining and currents gently pushing warm water your way, conditions are fantastic and just keep getting better.

Giant Black Seabass (aka GSB)

Fall is prime time to spot the awe-inspiring Giant Black Seabass, or “GSB” as divers affectionately call them. These gentle giants are in full-on spawning mode right now, moving into shallow, warmer waters where they can be seen up close. Divers come from all over the world just for a chance to witness their majestic presence. And guess what? You can find them right in your own backyard dive sites!

Baby Boom!

If you’ve been diving recently, you might have noticed little brown and green circles on rocks—those are Garibaldi nests! November is when their babies, or “juveniles,” start to make their debut. These tiny, neon blue-and-orange fish are hard to miss and add a splash of color to your dive. And it’s not just the Garibaldi—young blacksmith fish, with their vibrant blue and yellow hues, can be seen schooling near the surface in groups of hundreds. Keep your eyes peeled for these lively little swimmers!

A Forest of Giants

One of the most magical aspects of California diving is the kelp forest, and right now, it’s in its full glory! Giant kelp is growing at an astonishing rate—up to 3 feet per day—creating a stunning underwater forest that feels like something from a fantasy world. Even better, the native kelp is outcompeting the invasive sargassum, so you’re getting an authentic, thriving kelp forest experience. As we head into fall, the kelp just keeps growing, making each dive more enchanting than the last!