Aqua Safaris - California
The team at Aqua Safaris are the go-to for anyone looking to properly dive California’s central coast. These folks have been around long enough to know the local conditions inside and out. We really like their focus on making you a comfortable, competent diver, especially if you’re new to the chillier West Coast waters. They’re brilliant for getting your Open Water certification, but also solid if you’re looking to get serious with your rescue or specialty training. Head out with them and you’ll find yourself finning through kelp forests where giant fronds sway gently in the surge, sunbeams dappling through the canopy. We've often spotted playful sea lions darting past, their streamlined bodies twisting through the greens and yellows. Visibility can be a mixed bag, honest truth, but on a good day, you'll see purple sea urchins clinging to rocks and bright orange garibaldi flashing by. They run regular trips to local spots, and we’d suggest asking about their morning charters; often less crowded and the light can be stunning as it breaks over the water. Pack an extra layer, even in summer, the boat rides get breezy.
- Location
- California, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 36.982674, -121.969920
- Phone
- +1-831-479-4386
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://aquasafaris.com/
- Certification Agencies
- EFR, DAN
- Courses
- yes
- Equipment Rental
- yes
- Air Fills
- Air
Dive Sites Near Aqua Safaris
Aqua Safaris provides access to 15 dive sites in California.
Other Dive Centres in California
- Adventure Sports Unlimited - PADI
- Adventure West Scuba - PADI
- Aloha Scuba
- Anderson's SCUBA diving
- Any Water Dive Center - PADI, DAN
- Aquanautics Dive, Inc - ["PADI"]
- Aquarius Dive Shop
- Aqua Sports
- ASD Scuba School
- Bakersfield Scuba Center - ["PADI"]
Best Time to Dive in California
The warmest water temperatures in California occur in August, averaging 20.6°C (up to 24.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 14.0°C.
The calmest sea conditions are typically in July with average wave heights of 0.60m.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 14.4°C (air: 14.0°C)
- February: 14.0°C (air: 13.8°C)
- March: 14.2°C (air: 13.3°C)
- April: 14.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
- May: 16.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
- June: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
- July: 20.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
- August: 20.6°C (air: 19.6°C)
- September: 20.4°C (air: 19.7°C)
- October: 18.8°C (air: 18.4°C)
- November: 16.3°C (air: 16.0°C)
- December: 15.6°C (air: 14.3°C)
Marine Life in California
Home to 10 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.
Notable Marine Life
- Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
- Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish
- Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) - Reef Fish
- Little post horn squid (Spirula spirula) - Octopus & Squid
- Prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) - Reef Fish
- cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) - Reef Fish
- Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) - Reef Fish
- brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) - Reef Fish
- Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for California
Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C.
- Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
- Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories