Best dive site in LA

[geoff w]

Great info. Seeing if we can get a DM for a half-day is a great idea! Any good dive ships near a good shore dive location you'd recommend?

Malibu Divers is probably the closest local dive shop to any beach (right across the street from the water) and can give you updates on conditions - surf, viz, water temperature - as well as rent gear and provide a DM to help with So Cal beach dive logistics and go out with you. I've seen tourists stop in there late afternoon to rent gear for just one afternoon dive. You could always check out conditions before renting from them if you end up diving in Malibu

If you're thinking of doing a late afternoon or weekend morning dive, you can probably find someone on here that might be interested in going out with you, or at least help get you started

Beach dives here are hit and miss, but can be spectacular. Unlikely you will have the same viz as you had in Bonaire. Timing a beach dive around tides also helps

 

[Leejnd]

It does seem a shame to go to all the trouble to rent gear, hire a DM and travel to a dive site, and only do one dive!

 

[SoCalRich]

Try "Sundiver International". they have two boats running out of Alamitos harbor, Long Beach, Ca. (526) 594-6968
On Sundiver Express, (The faster & smaller boat) you can get in two dives at Catalina island, Hire a DM, rental gear, and back in to port by about 2:00 pm. Ask them about 7mil wetsuits?
regardless of whom ever you dive with- Bring a camera!
Calif. diving is much different than the tropics. But plenty to see. above & below the surface.
Enjoy your time here in the Golden State.
SoCalRich

 

[orangelion03]

Best shore diving in "Los Angeles" is Laguna Beach. Easy access and entries, good underwater scenery, and local amenities.

Contact Laguna Sea Sports...they will set you up with all you need and a guide.
Laguna Sea Sports | Beach Cities Scuba Centers – Your premier Orange County Scuba Diving experience

Not to detract from others' suggestion of Hollywood Divers! Just saying that if you are going to check out a particular dive spot, use the nearest dive shop for local knowledge.

 

[drbill]

LeeAnne and Dave have given good advice (as expected). Maybe Hollywoodivers has a beach dive scheduled while you are here. They are a great shop. However, if there is any way you can fit a full day of diving in, I don't think you'd regret doing so.