Recreational scuba divers have been taking in the underwater landscape and mapping out choice destinations across the country and continent since the first successful rebreathing device was introduced in the 1940s. Divers have explored the depths along the coastal United States and now frequently dive around Florida, Texas, California and Hawaii, at sites that typically feature warmer water, easy access and stunning biodiversity.
The Florida Keys
- The barrier reef stretching out from the islands of the Florida Keys, an archipelago that trails west from Florida's southern tip, is the only living reef of its kind in the lower 48 states. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has its fair share of corals and fish, including the parrot fish and cocoa damselfish. There are also several shipwrecks that ocean life has reclaimed, such as the Spiegel Grove, the largest ship to succeed as a man-made reef. You can also feast your eyes on the two-ton statue "Christ of the Abyss," which rests on the ocean floor off Key Largo.
Southern California's Channel Islands
- The water off the California coast, which dips to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, doesn't slow visitors to the eight Channel Islands, especially Anacapa, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. Each island has numerous dive sites, including the wrecks of three World War II craft: torpedo bomber the Avenger rests at Anacapa, and Santa Cruz has Navy plane the Guardian and minesweeper the Spirit of America. Swimming among the rolling kelp forests that surround the islands are large mammals like dolphins and sea lions, as well as enormous sea bass -- some of which weigh hundreds of pounds -- and giant eels.
Oahu, Hawaii
- Divers seek out sites across the Hawaiian islands, which are so far removed from the nearest continents that the local wildlife is utterly unique. Oahu has so many dive sites that each is uncrowded and you can enjoy relative peace and quiet as you explore shipwrecks and natural reefs. Minesweeper wreck the Mahi is home to schools of lemon butterflyfish and ta'ape as well as eels. Octopuses, parrotfish, crabs and spiny lobsters lurk inside Kahuna Canyon, which has walls as steep and striking as its name suggests.
Texas' Gulf Coast
- The Texas Gulf Coast is home to a surprising number of popular dive sites. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary protects three unique coral reefs about 100 miles off the coast. Whale sharks and manta rays are just two of the hundreds of marine species on display here. A little closer to the mainland, South Padre Island is close to the artificial reef of the Texas Clipper shipwreck, which began its new life in 2007 and is already sheltering hundreds of native fish.
