Just a few fin kicks from California’s rocky shoreline lies one of the most stunning and otherworldly dive environments in the world: the kelp forest. Towering strands of giant kelp sway with the current like underwater trees, creating a cathedral-like canopy that filters the sunlight and shelters an incredible diversity of marine life. If you’re a certified diver and haven’t yet explored this underwater jungle, you’re missing one of California’s greatest natural wonders.

Kelp forests thrive in the cool, nutrient-rich waters along the Southern California coast. Unlike coral reefs that take centuries to grow, kelp can grow up to two feet per day, forming dense canopies in shallow coastal zones. These forests provide shelter and food for hundreds of species, from playful sea lions and curious garibaldi to shy octopuses and the occasional bat ray gliding overhead.

For beginner divers, kelp forests may look intimidating at first. The long, ribbon-like blades can seem like a maze, and the limited visibility in some areas can be challenging. But with a few tips and the right mindset, diving in kelp can be incredibly rewarding—and surprisingly beginner-friendly.

First, choose a dive site that’s known for gentle conditions and accessibility. Places like Casino Point on Catalina Island, Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach, or La Jolla Shores are ideal for first-time kelp dives. These locations offer clear entry points, manageable depths, and abundant kelp growth. Catalina’s Casino Point, in particular, is a designated marine park with easy shore access and plenty of marine life.

When diving in kelp, buoyancy is everything. Staying streamlined and neutrally buoyant helps you glide through the forest without getting tangled. Keep your arms close to your body, avoid excessive kicking, and use gentle frog kicks or modified flutter kicks to move. If you do get wrapped in kelp, don’t panic—simply pause, back up slowly, and untangle yourself carefully.

It’s also important to maintain good buddy awareness. The tall stalks can separate divers quickly, so stay close, use hand signals, and agree on navigation plans ahead of time. Many divers use natural light shafts, rocky formations, or compass bearings to stay oriented among the shifting kelp strands.

The best part of kelp forest diving is what you’ll see. Bright orange garibaldi, California’s state marine fish, are common and unafraid. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, tiny sea slugs with neon colors, resting on the blades of kelp. Schools of baitfish shimmer in the sunbeams, while lobsters hide in crevices and horn sharks nap beneath ledges. Every dive feels like a treasure hunt.

Exposure protection is a must. Southern California waters can be chilly year-round, especially below the thermocline. A 7mm wetsuit, gloves, and hood are usually sufficient, but some divers prefer a drysuit for longer, deeper dives. Brands like Bare make great suits that handle kelp diving conditions well.

For new divers, diving with an instructor familiar with kelp can be a game changer. At Eco Dive Center in Los Angeles, we offer training courses to help divers build comfort and confidence in this unique environment. Whether you’re working toward your Advanced Open Water or just want to try something new, kelp diving is a fantastic addition to your dive log.

Kelp forests are not only breathtaking, they’re also vital to coastal ecosystems. By diving them responsibly, staying off the bottom, and avoiding damage to the kelp itself, we can help preserve these underwater forests for generations to come.

So if you’ve been thinking about trying a kelp forest dive, now’s the time. Grab your gear, buddy up, and enter the forest. You’ll come back with stories, photos, and a whole new appreciation for California’s wild, swaying underwater world.