Cause of 2011 Abalone die-off found: Gonyaulax spinifera
In 2011, abalone living in some areas of the Sonoma and Mendocino coast were killed by the thousands by an unknown toxin in the water. Today, nearly 3 years later, …
Macro Photography: Catching Great Images in Local Waters
Words and Photos by Mike Bartick. For me, photography has been a never-ending learning curve. It’s a sometimes frustrating and always challenging craft that hooked me when I picked up …
One-of A Kind 3D Model and Dive Map Created for Point Lobos State Park Dive Community
(Note: This story has been updated. Please click here.) Long considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature …
Experiencing Love in the Form of Komodo National Park
A fire breathing dragon? Well, not quite, but a seven foot lizard going by the name “Komodo Dragon” most definitely had my attention. I had decided to take a dream …
Kirk McGuire’s Shares his Latest Work; Featured in GQ Magazine
Kirk McGuire, an accomplished sculpture artist featured on CaliforniaDiver.com, has recently sent us some of his latest work. Shown below are two flying fish sculptures currently in progress. “They are …
Support the Catalina Island Hyperbaric Chamber at Chamber Day 2014
Wednesday, May 7, is the date for Chamber Day 2014 — be sure to mark your calendar! The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, located on the campus of the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center at …
Help support the Catalina Island Hyperbaric Chamber on May 7
Like many, I’ve been fortunate to have made it through my diving career without any serious injuries. While I’ve definitely had my share of urchin spines and swallowed more a …
An Interview with Dr. Lee Spence – Discoverer of the Confederate Submarine HL Hunley
No stranger to controversy, Dr. Lee Spence is an internationally known expert on shipwrecks and sunken treasures. He is one of five people in the world with a Doctor of …
Scuba Diving “Outside of the Box” – An uncaged dive with white sharks
I first saw Amos Nachoum’s pictures of his cage-less scuba dives with white sharks online, shortly after returning from my initial trip to Guadalupe Island. I was floored. I knew …
Your First Dives After Certification: Heading Out On Your Own
Your instructor signs your dive log and you hand in your paperwork. You’re done. After four sessions in the classroom, a similar number in the pool, and a handful of …