The Crescent City Jetty is likely California's Northernmost shore-based dive site, located just 10 miles South of the Oregon Border. People dive the Southern Jetty, which ends at the rocky Whaler Island, and the Northern spit, both of which protect the entrance to the Bay and harbor.
Shore diving in this area should only be attempted on the calmest days, and winds tend to kick up in the afternoons, kicking up the surf that not only makes entries and exits more challenging, but also reduces visibility. Visibility is also greatly affected by storm runoff, so after any rains, it will take several days for the muddy waters to clear. On calmer days visibility can reach up to 15 feet, and greater at offshore dive sites, although typically visibility ranges from 3-8 feet. Water temperatures are generally 48-52 degrees year 'round, so a nice wetsuit or drysuit is necessary.
Just outside of Crescent City harbor at Steamboat Rock lies the remains of the SS Emidio (read more about it here). The ship was sunk by a Japanese sub in 1941, drifted to Crescent City, and although it's now in pieces after being blasted by the US Navy to allow safe passageway into the harbor. There are sections that are still intact and diveable at a depth of 40-60 feet.
For divers heading offshore, there is a public boat ramp available at the Crescent City Harbor. Offshore diving locations include Sisters Rocks, Mussel Rock, Round Rock, White Rock, St. George Reef, and Castle Rock. In good conditions, divers will find good numbers of scallops, rockfish, and lingcod. Visibility tends to improve as you move away from the shoreline, however the weather and ocean conditions should be very carefully evaluated prior to attempting any dives.
Crescent City is located on Highway 101, and is about 350 miles North of San Francisco (a 6-1/2 hour drive). In Summer months, some divers also dive the Smith River which is a short drive North of here and provides crystal clear waters and depths to 50 feet.
Conditions vary extremely, and generally the calmest days and absence of rain yield the best diving conditions. When it's good, however, you'll have the opportunity to dive in areas seldom visited by other divers, with lots of life and some great hunting and collecting available.
