I have about 5 weeks available for diving during late September, mid-October. What is the absolute best diving location for visibility, underwater terrain, sea life?
If you don’t mind the colder temperatures, I feel that diving the coast of Southern California is some of the best in the world. In addition, that period of time is some of the warmest in the Southern California waters. The kelp forests are suburb, the amount of sea life is astounding, and before the winter storms hit ,the visibility can be outstanding. The fish are not as colorful as in say Hawaii, but that is made up for by the sheer magnitude of numbers you will find in the kelp. Just imagine being able to dive in a large forest from the floor of the forest to the tree tops and that is what it is like to dive in a kelp forest. The sunlight filters down the same way and you will never find anything like it anywhere else. I do recommend, going with a group or person who can instruct on how to dive in the kelp. There is a technique all to itself, but you will have a great time. The link at the bottom has a couple of pictures of diving in a kelp forest.
I have diving since 1975 and I have been all over the world but for me the best diving in my opinion is in the kelp Forrest’s along the California coast. during the winter when we have the deep water upwelling. This is when the clear deep water is pulled into the coasts. It is cold and very clear and very beautiful.
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Florida springs are nice and the water temp is around 70 degrees all year round
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If you don’t mind the colder temperatures, I feel that diving the coast of Southern California is some of the best in the world. In addition, that period of time is some of the warmest in the Southern California waters. The kelp forests are suburb, the amount of sea life is astounding, and before the winter storms hit ,the visibility can be outstanding. The fish are not as colorful as in say Hawaii, but that is made up for by the sheer magnitude of numbers you will find in the kelp. Just imagine being able to dive in a large forest from the floor of the forest to the tree tops and that is what it is like to dive in a kelp forest. The sunlight filters down the same way and you will never find anything like it anywhere else. I do recommend, going with a group or person who can instruct on how to dive in the kelp. There is a technique all to itself, but you will have a great time. The link at the bottom has a couple of pictures of diving in a kelp forest.
References :
former SCUBA instructor in sothern CA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp_forest
Depending on budget, the Red Sea, Thailand, Australia, or the Caribbean
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BSAC Dive Leader, Padi Rescue Diver