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.

Heart's Desire Beach on the Pacific Coast is a sheltered location featuring seagrass beds. It is suitable for beginners due to the lack of waves and mild currents. The water is generally warmer than the open Pacific, though temperatures remain cool, ranging from 12C to 16C throughout the year. Visibility is lower than in other coastal areas. Access is via a shore entry, and the site provides facilities including parking, toilets, and showers. Snorkellers should be prepared for cool water conditions.

Fort Ross on the Mendocino Coast offers a shore-entry dive featuring a reef and kelp forest. Divers typically explore depths between 8 and 12 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions require careful management of surge, swell, and mild currents. Visibility ranges from 5 to 10 metres, and water temperatures remain between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, necessitating thick thermal protection. Divers should be aware of potential entanglement risks within the kelp and monitor for variable visibility. Parking is available on-site, but divers must bring all necessary equipment as there are no local rental or fill facilities.

Timber Cove is a shore-entry reef site located on the Mendocino Coast. Divers can expect shallow conditions with an average depth of 4 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions vary significantly. Hazards include surf, surge, strong currents, rip currents, and low visibility. Water temperatures remain cool throughout the year, ranging from 10C to 13C. Facilities available at the location include parking, toilets, showers, air fills, and boat charter services. Due to the nature of the environment, divers should be prepared for variable visibility and potential hazards typical of the Pacific Coast.

Stillwater Cove is a protected marine site on the Mendocino Coast, offering shore access to a reef and kelp forest environment. The cove is sheltered from wind by surrounding bluffs, with entry points that transition between rocky and sandy terrain depending on the tide. Divers can expect depths ranging from the shallows down to 14 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres. Conditions include mild currents, though divers should remain aware of potential surf, surge, boat traffic, and kelp entanglement. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and showers.

Ocean Cove on the Mendocino Coast is a reef and kelp forest site accessible from the shore. Divers can expect depths ranging from 3 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 3 and 12 metres and mild currents. The water temperature remains cool, fluctuating between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 50 minutes. Facilities available at the location include parking, toilets, showers, a cafe, air fills, and a dive shop. Hazards to be aware of include boat traffic, jellyfish, rip currents, sea urchins, and surf.

Gerstle Cove is a protected kelp forest and reef site located within Salt Point State Park on the Mendocino Coast. Divers access the water via a rocky shore entry, with the site extending approximately 100 metres from the beach. Depths range from 5 to 30 metres, averaging 10 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 10C and 13C throughout the year. Hazards include surge, surf, rip currents, boat traffic, and sea urchins. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. This site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 45 minutes.

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.