People often ask where my favorite diving is. And while there are so many popular destinations I have yet to visit, my usual response is that each destination is great for different reasons. But deep down inside, I’m pretty biased towards the diving close to home; southern California’s towering kelp forests.
Some folks consider diving the kelp forests a cathedral-like experience, watching the sunrays tickle the top of the kelp canopy, dancing in piercing rays down into the lush forest below. Divers can’t help but look up at the towering kelp fronds, lost in subconscious awe of the forest for the trees and trees for the forest, disturbed only by the crackling of marine life and steady drone of bubbles rising to the surface.
California’s macrocystis kelp beds are a complete reef habitat, offering food, protection, nurseries and mammal play toys. They’re fun to explore. They can indicate ocean conditions even from the surface. For me, they create a favorite wild place to explore than never ceases to amaze.
