Doran Beach on the Mendocino Coast offers a shallow shore dive ranging from 3 to 5 metres. The site features a mix of natural reef, artificial reef structures, and seagrass beds. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility around 5 metres. Marine life includes common harbor seals, very common ochre sea stars, and rock crabs. Less frequently, divers may encounter California sea lions, scorpionfish, and various nudibranchs like Hermissenda. Due to the 11 to 13 degree Celsius water temperatures, thick thermal protection is required. Entry is via the shore, where divers must navigate surf and shore break. Hazards include rip currents, cold water, surf, and shark activity.

Horseshoe Cove is a shallow reef site on the Mendocino Coast, offering depths between 5 and 6 metres. Divers encounter a variety of marine life, including common harbor seals, northern kelp crabs, and rock crabs. Uncommon sightings include California sea lions, Monterey dorids, and hermissenda, while rare species such as northern elephant seals and East Pacific red octopuses are occasionally recorded. The site features mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Entry is via the shore, which requires caution due to surf, surge, and sharp rocks. Water temperatures remain consistently between 11 and 12 degrees Celsius, necessitating thick thermal protection.

Isle of Saint James is a reef site located off the Pacific Coast near San Francisco. Divers access this location by boat to explore depths ranging from 25 to 35 metres. Visibility is consistently 30 metres, though the water remains cold at 9 to 11 degrees Celsius. While currents are generally mild, the site is subject to significant surges and requires careful buoyancy control. Due to the depth and cold, a drysuit or thick wetsuit with hood and gloves is necessary. Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, great white sharks, ocean sunfish, sea nettles, jellyfish, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, sea stars, crabs, and snails.

Noonday Rock is a deep offshore pinnacle located 45 kilometres from the coast near San Francisco. The site features a dramatic profile, with depths ranging from 20 to 120 metres and an average depth of 70 metres. Due to the significant depth and strong currents, this site is strictly for advanced divers. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres, with water temperatures consistently between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius. Boat access is required, and divers must be prepared for challenging conditions, including strong currents and the presence of sharks. Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, and great white sharks.

Fanny Shoal is a reef and pinnacle site located 64 kilometres offshore from San Francisco. This advanced dive site features depths ranging from 6 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres. Divers must use a boat for entry due to significant surf at the shore. Conditions are challenging, with strong currents and visibility fluctuating between 3 and 18 metres. Water temperatures remain cold, between 9 and 13 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Given the depth and current, divers should monitor their profile closely and time their visit to slack water. Hazards include deep water, strong currents, surf, and the presence of sharks.

Middle Farallon is an advanced open-ocean dive site located 48 kilometres off the coast of San Francisco. The topography consists of a reef, wall, and drop-off structure ranging from 8 to 17 metres in depth. Divers must navigate challenging conditions, including strong currents, heavy surge, and visibility fluctuating between 3 and 10 metres. Water temperatures remain cold, typically between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Access is strictly by boat due to hazardous surf conditions at the shore. Given the exposure to open Pacific waters, this site requires high situational awareness and careful planning around slack water to manage currents effectively.

Cordell Bank is a submerged granite ridge located 80 kilometres off the coast of San Francisco. This advanced site features a complex topography of reefs, walls, and pinnacles that rise to 35 metres and descend beyond 50 metres. Due to the location, boat access is required, and strong currents make drift diving the standard practice. Divers must be prepared for challenging conditions, including cold water temperatures between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius, thermoclines, and variable visibility. Given the significant depths and environmental hazards, this site is strictly for experienced divers who can manage cold water and strong currents. Planning dives around slack water is essential for safety.

Maintop Island is a reef site located off the Pacific Coast near San Francisco. Divers typically encounter depths between 15 and 18 metres with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site is accessible by boat and features mild currents, though conditions vary. Marine life includes California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. Divers may also spot great white sharks, ocean sunfish, various nudibranchs, and jellyfish. Due to water temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, a drysuit or 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves is recommended. Hazards include boat traffic, surge, and sharp rocks; monitor local conditions before entry.