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100% Dolphin approved scuba lessons and underwater photography
100% Dolphin approved scuba lessons and underwater photography
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So many places to dive... Here are some of the places I've been where I have specific notes:

California (Monterey area)

Pagurus armatus (Blackeyed Hermit Crab)

There is a tremendous variety of marine life in California, particularly in the kelp forests. We don't have quite as many pretty fish as tropical locales, but there's a much bigger variety of invertebrate life. You're very likely to see these critters.

The water here tends to be on the colder side. 50 degrees in the winter, and up to 56-65 degrees in the summer. A 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is required, unless you're really manly (like the ex-navy seal I dove with once, who did the entire dive in a 3mm short wetsuit).

Check the conditions before you drive down.

Zalophus californianus (California Sea Lion)

California (South)

Where the water's a little warmer... at least, above 60'. I've been to the Channel Islands several times.

Holacanthus ciliaris (Queen Angelfish)
Cyphoma gibbosum (Flamingo Tongue)

Caribbean

Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle)

Hawaii

Water temperature varies from 74-81. I usually dive in a 3mm wetsuit, or a 5mm wetsuit if I'm doing more than two dives in a day. Visibility is usually at least 50'. Lots of colorful fish.

I've dived all the islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. My favorites are Kona on the Big Island and Kauai. Oahu's pretty crowded and the pollution has affected the reefs.

Siganus puellus (Masked Rabbitfish)
Nembrotha kubaryana (Kubaryana's Nembrotha)

Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region is home to a phenomenal range of fish and invertebrates.

World

Or you can explore all the locations in my database (under construction).

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