Dive Into These 10 National Parks for Best Scuba Diving in America

National parks are frequently associated with awe-inspiring landmarks such as Yosemite’s Half Dome, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, and the Grand Canyon. However, the National Park Service also safeguards a vast expanse of underwater territories teeming with life and ready for exploration. Kristin Valette-Wirth, PADI’s Chief Brand Officer, shares her top scuba diving destinations within these captivating submerged parklands.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Discover the rich historical treasures hidden both above and beneath the waves at Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys. Teeming with marine life, including fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, the park boasts several captivating underwater shipwrecks for enthusiastic divers to explore.

Among them lies the enthralling Windjammer, a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship that met its demise in 1901. The park visitor center conveniently offers laminated underwater maps that allow for an immersive self-guided tour of these exhilarating wrecks.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Embark on a remarkable underwater journey through time at the enigmatic Graveyard of the Atlantic, nestled off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. With over 600 sunken vessels dating back to 1526, this exceptional diving experience offers a rare glimpse into a diverse and intriguing maritime history.

Delve into the depths to encounter U-boats, tankers, freighters, Civil War remains, sailing ships, artificial reefs, and fishing vessels, as you immerse yourself in the extraordinary heritage hidden beneath these tumultuous waters.

San Juan Island National Historical Park, Washington

On the brink of conflict, the United States and Great Britain once vied for supremacy over the captivating islands of Puget Sound. While vestiges of military history continue to pique interest, the true treasures lie beneath the waves, undiscovered by many.

Embrace the thrill of submerging into the brisk waters of the San Juan Islands, unveiling a diverse and enchanting aquascape. Traverse the labyrinthine kelp forests, encountering enigmatic nudibranchs, colossal Pacific octopuses, and elusive wolf eels. Gracefully navigating through the undersea realm, the Puget Sound king crab, plumose sea anemone, and vivacious sea stars add texture to the watery canvas. For those who aspire for terrestrial respite, sea lions and seals continue the spectacle, performing nature’s ballet between plunges into the abyss.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii

Discover the enchanting Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, nestled along the Kona Coast of the Big Island, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the legacy of ancient Hawaiian fishponds. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking underwater world, where lava tubes meet crystal-clear waters bustling with diverse marine life. Encounter colorful reef fish, graceful turtles, majestic manta rays, and awe-inspiring sharks as you dive into the park’s many wonders, drawing adventurers from across the globe.