17m
    Beginner
    California, United States

    San Clemente Island

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Why dive here

    San Clemente Island is a dive in California, United States. Water ranges 14-21°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Water14-21°C · warmest July, August, September
    Charactermax 17m

    San Clemente Island is one of those spots where you go for the experience as much as the diving itself. We usually hit it on a longer boat trip from the mainland, making it a proper day out. Underneath, it’s mostly kelp forests, the kind where you can just hang out and watch garibaldi darting in and out, or spot a curious harbor seal popping by for a look. It’s shallow, capping out at around 17 meters, which makes it a relaxed dive, perfect for newer divers or those who just want to chill amongst the swaying fronds. Visibility can swing, but when it's good, seeing the sunbeams filter through the kelp is pretty magic.

    Typical San Clemente Island Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m17m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:5517:2811h 33m daylightGolden hour 16:55

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for San Clemente Island

    San Clemente Island Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for San Clemente Island, sourced from NOAA NDBC buoy data - nearest station: Topanga Nearshore, CA (103) (221km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    19°C

    66°F · Range: 14–23.7°C

    Air Temperature

    18°C

    65°F

    Wave Height

    0.6m

    13.8s period

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC buoy data

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