Road Trip Ideas for Scuba Divers
At London’s Automotive our specialty is, of course, providing great automotive repair. However, the owner, Bob Thayer, and his
If you’ve been considering exploring scuba diving before, take a look at our list of some of the best diving places to schedule on a Scuba Diving Road Trip Adventure of your very own! We’ll also include whether each location is more tailored to a beginning diver, or if you’ll need some experience under your belt to explore.
We’ll begin the list with a few locations that you might recognize as close to home here in Corvallis. Oregon!
Tillamook Bay has a few different spots for diving, with the dives ranging in depth and difficulty. For example, there are niche, secluded diving spots that are tricky to handle like Three Graces. For more popular ones and an easier diving experience, check out some of the Jettys. This is a great place to start out scuba diving and “test the waters” to see if scuba diving is right for you!
Depoe Bay is another area that has several dive spots, including Otter Rock and Beverly Reef, Boiler Bay, and all over Depoe Bay itself.
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Crater Lake, Oregon (Crater Lake).
Our very own Crater Lake! This is the deepest lake in the United States, and also happens to be one of the clearest freshwater lakes as well. You’ll have to hike to reach the lake itself, so it’s a good idea to make this a midpoint stop along your road trip. Take a rest stop, stretch your legs, and get ready for a great dive!
Oregon’s coast and waters may be home sweet home, but traveling south to California is worth it for scuba diving. Since you’re already on your way, might as well keep going! California has some of the most amazing diving sites in the country, so if you can make it, don’t miss out!
If you can make it all the way down to the Bay, it will be worth it. Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the country for scuba diving. With carefully preserved and protected aquatic life, the bright colors of coast fish and the amusing antics of otters, seals, and sea lions scattered about, Monterey Bay’s above and below water views are something to revel in.
Catalina Island has amazing opportunities for diving. Something unique here is that they have a program where you can go on a short, accompanied dive even if you don’t have your full certification yet. The ease of access plus the stunning views are well worth the drive. Catalina Island happens to be a favorite of the Thayers, as they make their own annual road trip here to enjoy the waters.
The Channel Islands are located in Santa Barbara and are beautiful locations for Scuba diving. Plus, there are many opportunities here, where there is both beginning and advanced scuba diving guidance available. Note that this is a great place to find sea lions, and you’ll probably have the chance to dive alongside them!
If scuba diving sounds like something that you would enjoy, then consider putting together a road trip and make it your summer getaway! Some spots have local scuba gear shops for you to rent, or you could invest in some yourself. And before you head out, come by London’s Automotive! You’ll have to prepare your scuba gear yourself, but we can certainly help with the best gear to get you there, which is your car! So, come in to make sure your car can make the trip, and let us know what beautiful sights you see when you get back!
