5-30m
    California, United States
    Begg Rock (San Nicolas Island Quad) State Marine Reserve

    San Nicholas Island

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Begg Rock (San Nicolas Island Quad) State Marine Reserve

    Why dive here

    San Nicholas Island is a reef 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
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-30m

    San Nicholas Island, the most remote of California’s Channel Islands, offers some truly wild diving. Think towering kelp forests, a good chance of spotting harbor seals, and maybe even a few sea lions zipping by. The conditions here can be a bit more challenging, so we'd suggest this spot for divers comfortable with cooler water and varying visibility. It's a proper adventure for those who like their dive sites a little less trodden.

    Typical San Nicholas Island Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

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

    Today05:5917:3211h 33m daylightGolden hour 16:59

    Reviews for San Nicholas Island

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for San Nicholas Island

    San Nicholas Island Ocean Conditions

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

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive California, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in California

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near California.

    Search stays in California

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near San Nicholas Island

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to California