Citing our own personal Outings last week, the Last Week of July 2026 -
Some NAUI Skin diver / Breath hold Training. Author, Susan B Mc Cauley Came out From Texas and Took a Break from Her Book tour to Train at Catalina Island. 
Hal - Free Diving in Catalina on Tuesday see video Water Temp 74 Vis 60 Feet
Hal and Easton onboard the Spectre at Santa Cruz Island, on Friday July 31. see Video
Joe and Jack Diving 
The Beach in Redondo, on Sunday. 76 DEGREES AT THE SURFACE. Vis 20 Feet in the Shallows
The Conditions have been pretty Nice and the diving we have done Between Large Swell Events, prove to be the Warmest July we have ever Experienced in Southern California.
IS THIS A GOOD THING ? - Probably not going to be Good for Long Term Kelp Health. We observe giant weakening and losing its ability to float up to the surface.
We can also see the larger fish such as the giant sea bass have moved deeper to cooler waters.
According to NOAA's latest reports, the warm blob and El Niño conditions affecting California in 2026 have created unprecedented water temperatures across Southern California. Sea surface temperatures from San Diego to Santa Barbara have reached levels not typically seen until late summer, with some areas experiencing sustained warmth a full month ahead of schedule.
In San Diego, popular diving spots like La Jolla Shores and Sunset Cliffs have reported water temperatures hovering in the mid-70s Fahrenheit during June, with readings climbing into the upper 70s by early July. These conditions have drawn both recreational and professional divers seeking optimal visibility and comfort during extended bottom time.
Moving north along the coast, beaches in Orange County including Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove have experienced similar warming trends. Local dive operators report that June water temperatures were running 3 to 5 degrees warmer than the historical average, making for exceptionally pleasant conditions for both beginners and experienced divers exploring kelp forests and rocky reefs.
The Los Angeles area, including popular sites like Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes, has seen sustained warmth throughout June and July. Divers working these beaches have noted Temps of up to 76 degrees, a shock for early summer diving in the region.
Further north, Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands have also felt the effects of the warm water mass. Catalina Island and Santa Cruz Island, Were 74 and 71 Last Week.
The Summation for Summer thus far, Southern California diving has warm water, good visibility between swells, and the kind of conditions that typically don't arrive until End of September to Early October.
See the Latest Video Trip Report from Last Weeks Boat Trip with Water Temps above 70 Degrees, Even at Depth.
Congrats to New DM and Local Camera Operator, Jacqueline Lehr
on her Drysuit Certification - Gearing up for an Upcoming COLD Water Documentary.
Keeping Summer Going Won't be a Challenge this year. the water Temp is going Up.
Next Boat Trip is August 21. Divers or Snorkelers are Welcome. Come with us. I am switching to my 3MM Wetsuit with Hooded Vest What about You ?
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