Quick Guide to Best Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!

Quick Guide to Best Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!

From time to time, I talk about badass extreme sports experiences outside the states, but scuba diving is much different. Unless you’re actually planning a trip abroad, you don’t need to go far for some scuba action. 

There are dozens of world-class diving spots to fall in love with right here in the United States. In fact, 30 of the 50 states have a coastline that spans 4.5k shy of 100,000 miles along the majestic Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and even freshwater playgrounds. With this sea of opportunity, many people consider the U.S. the BEST country for scuba diving.

U.S. scuba diving spots have it all – breadth and depth of marine life, abundant coral species, and even shipwrecks for the history buffs. 

1. The Big Island of Hawai’i

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Kona (Hawaii)
Marine LifeManta-Ray, Zooplankton, Dolphins, Whitetip Sharks, Humpback Whales, Hammerhead Sharks, and Jellyfish
Best Time to VisitSeptember and January
Water Temperature75 to 80oF
Other Popular SpotsPelagic Magic, Black Rock Point
Other Extreme SportsSkydiving, Cliff diving, Cave diving, Swimming with Sharks, Kayaking

Hawaii and Florida are the two best states for scuba diving in the United States of America. Scuba on the Island of Hawaii is known for its beautiful blackwater diving, while Florida has a long list of world-class diving spots for every age.

We’ll get to Florida next, but first, let’s travel to island paradise.  The Island of Hawaii is an exotic scuba diving hotbed, especially the Kona region, where you can do diving or snorkeling with the manta rays. You’ll find Kona on the western coast of The Big Island.

Manta rays aside, Kona’s true specialty is blackwater diving. It does take a bit of courage but is well worth the effort. If you end up liking the blackwater dive, you must try Pelagic Magic for THE knockout diving experience.

Once you’re done with Kona, head to the Black Rock Beach in Maui. You’ll get otherworldly underwater views of Black Rock Point there. 

2. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Florida
Marine LifeGoliath Grouper, Coral species, Sharks, Sailfish, 
Best Time to VisitMarch through July
Water Temperature75 to 82 oF
Other Popular SpotsKey Largo, Phil Foster Park, Underwater Museum of Art, Blue Heron Bridge, USS Oriskany
Other Extreme SportsIndoor skydiving, Skydiving, ATVing, Ziplining

It’ll take a few of these trips to visit all of Florida’s gin-clear underwater world. With freshwater springs, underwater caves, and reefs in wrecks, it’s no wonder it’s among the two best scuba diving states in the U.S.

Start with the most popular and versatile diving sport in Florida: Key Largo. It’s in the third-largest barrier reef, housing dozens of endemic and indigenous species. Speaking of the barrier reef, you can find a mesmerizing one here – the shipwreck of USS Spiegel Grove, a massive US Navy Landing Ship docked a couple of years ago.

Then go visit the Underwater Museum of Art in Santa Rosa Beach. The scuba diving location has about 19 structures made of metal that wouldn’t harm the water. And if you’re lucky, you might get to see the 800+-pound big Goliath Grouper.

Next, head to Pensacola for more shipwreck diving like the 911-footlong USS Oriskany wreck. Or…simply head to Panama City and Vortex Spring to snorkel with rich marine life.

3. Ventura, California

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Southern California
Marine Life Giant kelpfish, Bat rays, Octopus, Moray eels, Sheepshead
Best Time to VisitJune through September
Water Temperature56 to 70oF
Other Popular SpotsCalifornia Kelp Forests and Farnsworth Bank in Catalina Island, Oil Rigs, Casino Point, Monterey Bay
Other Extreme SportsSkydiving, Flying stunt planes, Parahawking, Slacklining, Trekking

Scuba diving in California is just as versatile as Florida, if not more. California is home to a dozen world-class diving spots to choose from. You should start your diving adventure with the Santa Catalina Islands and Oil Rigs in South California.

Even though you can find many underwater species here, Santa Catalina Island is world-renowned for its kelp forests scuba diving adventure. In Catalina, head straight to the Marine Point after the kelp for a memorable snorkeling adventure.

On the contrary, you’ll find 25 massive oil platforms and artificial reefs, creating an enchanting habitat for the marine life present.

And if you’re in the mood for something premium and exclusive, you should visit Monterey Bay for the National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of California’s richest marine fauna habitats and doesn’t allow more than 30 divers per day.

Read More: Quick Guide to Best Scuba Diving Locations Worldwide!

4. Puget Sound, Washington

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Washington
Marine LifeGiant Pacific Octopus, Wolf eels, Rockfish, Puget Sound Crabs, Scalyhead Sculpin
Best Time to VisitJuly through September
Water Temperature46 to 55oF
Other Popular SpotsSan Juan Islands, Bellingham
Other Extreme SportsZiplining, River rafting, Indoor Skydiving

Washington State has three world-famous scuba diving spots: the Puget Sound, Bellingham, and the San Juan Islands. Each has a unique flavor that draws flocks of visitors every summer.

Puget Sound is an excellent recreational scuba diving location for all ages and skill levels. Plus, there’s over a dozen-foot tall Pacific Octopus in critters, like Edmonds Underwater Park and Mukilteo, near Puget Sound.

Bellingham, on the other hand, is strictly for experienced scuba divers. Namely because of the high-pressure water currents.

The San Juan Islands has many striking scuba diving spots for literally everyone. Here, you can get lost in the archipelago of 4 big islands and about 400 smaller ones. Simply start near Whale Rocks and Strawberry Island West Wall.

5. Morehead, North Carolina

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in North Carolina
Marine LifeSand-Tiger Sharks
Best Time to VisitMay to June and September to October
Water Temperature70 to 80oF
Other Popular SpotsSand Tiger Sharks, Spar, Aeolus, Papoose, Atlas, and Caribsea
Other Extreme SportsWhitewater rafting, Indoor skydiving, Hang gliding

North Carolina scuba diving is famous for two things: sand-tiger sharks and shipwrecks. Most spots are for intermediate-level divers and above, but there are a few stunning beginner-friendly scuba locations.

The best place for scuba in North Carolina is a coastal area 92 miles off the Morehead city – Outer Banks – popularly known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Here you’ll find tons of shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs for several species.

Divers worldwide come here for famous wrecks like Aeolus and Atlas, among many others. The most prominent is the Spar – a sunken 180-foot USCG ship now a 110-foot artificial reef. If you’re lucky, you can swim with sand-tiger sharks that are shockingly friendly.

6. Bonne Terre, Missouri

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Missouri
Marine LifeOnly famous for recreational diving
Best Time to VisitAll through the year
Water Temperature600F
Other Popular Spots
Other Extreme SportsOff-road ATVing, Ziplining, Skydiving

Missouri is the only spot popular for scuba diving in historical mines. Although that’s pretty much the only thing Missouri scuba diving offers. Yet, it’s still great for recreational scuba diving with friends and family for many reasons. 

The Bonne Terre Mines in the Bonne Terre region of Missouri don’t have marine life but something much more enjoyable. Dive in clearwater (more than 100ft visibility) and travel through the remnants of the Bonne Terre mines with more than a dozen trails.

The underwater mine is accessible throughout the year, so you can dive in anytime you want.

7. Flower Garden Banks, Texas

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Image Credits: G.P. Schmahl/NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Marine LifeManta rays, Silky sharks, Spinner Dolphins, Silky Sharks, Whale
Best Time to VisitApril to October (Flower Garden Banks). Other parts of Texas: January to April (points near the Gulf of Mexico), March to June (other places)
Water Temperature68 to 84oF
Other Popular SpotsThe Texas Clipper, The Texas Chipper, The Scuba Ranch, Athens Scuba Park
Other Extreme SportsSkydiving, Ziplining, Flyboarding

Texas is famous for its enchanting scuba diving spots for snorkeling and diving around manta rays. The world-renowned Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in Texas has three subsurface salt domes and a seemingly uncountable marine fauna. No wonder Flower Garden Banks is called the Hidden Gem of the Gulf of Mexico.

There are multiple coral reefs in Texas, most of which start at a depth of about 60ft which isn’t “too deep” for most divers.

While it does take some time (about 8hrs) to reach the Flower Garden Banks from the coast, the magnificent marine life includes silky sharks, spinner dolphins, and many other snorkel-friendly underwater species.

Read More: Avoiding Pressure Injuries & Diving Disorders from Scuba Diving

8. Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, Michigan

7 Most Exhilarating Scuba Diving Locations in the United States!
Scuba Diving in Michigan
Marine LifeFamous for shipwreck diving
Best Time to VisitMay to November
Water Temperature40 to 550F
Other Popular SpotsMackinac Island, Cedarville, Lake Huron
Other Extreme SportsIce climbing, Snowmobiling, Winter Surfing, Ice Sailing

Michigan is one of the three states that attracts shipwreck divers from around the globe. You won’t find much, if any, marine life here. Still, it’s a haven for shipwreck diving with over 75 ships near Lake Huron (The Presque Isle coastline) alone.

Your first stop should be the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It preserves 50 of these shipwrecked diving spots. Then go see the wreck of Cedarville in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. At 604-feet, it’s the largest shipwreck in Michigan.

Other Incredible U.S. Diving Locations

Already planning a trip somewhere other than these 8 states? Here are more fantastic diving spots:

  • Baranof Island, Alaska
  • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
  • Midway, Utah
  • Kankakee, Illinois
Jonathan Spaeth

I got into extreme sports about 20 years ago and am a die-hard adrenaline junkie. Just like in business, I choose my outdoor adventures based on how much they scare me. My goal is to share the lessons I've learned over the past couple of decades braving the unknown to encourage you to do the same.