THE VIZ These days it is not uncommon for you to get what divers call “Viz for days” – 60+ feet is common and makes for some truly surreal underwater views. 

IT’S WARM 

Most people don’t know that the warmest months of the year for diving are actually September and October. It takes a long time for the ocean to warm up. Sun and currents are warming the water and it mixes with the colder water. Think of it like trying to warm up a cold bathtub by pouring cups of hot water in it. Right now the sun is out, water is warming up, its great now and getting better. 

GIANT BLACK SEABASS 

This is the prime time of the year to get a look at the Giant Black Seabass or “GSB” as the pros say. They are spawning and mating right now in the warmer shallow waters. These massive fish are truly a sight that you have to see to believe. People come from all over the world to see them and they are in your backyard. 

THE BABIES! 

If you have been diving in the past couple months, you might’ve noticed brown and green circles on some rocks. These are Garibaldi nests and through November the babies or “juveniles” are going to be out and about. They can be identified by their unique neon blue and orange colors. Another juvenile to look out for is the blacksmith – these blue and yellow babies school in numbers that can easily be in the hundreds. Look up, they are usually near the surface or in shallow water. 

THE FOREST OF GIANTS 

Probably the biggest draw of California diving is the kelp forest and right now the kelp is doing GREAT. The Giant kelp is in abundance and outcompeting the invasive sargasm providing divers with a true “forest.” Kelp can grow up to 3 feet per day so this forest is just getting bigger and better as we move into the fall season.