So you want to try Abalone Diving?

If you're new to California diving or don't have anyone to show you the ropes, try our Abalone Diving Classes! It's a fun, easy way to get introducted to the sport with experienced divers by your side- and maybe you'll meet a few new dive buddies in the process. Check our the Abalone Diving Course Here.

This time-honored sport offers young and old a chance to get into the beautiful California waters and experience nature first-hand. Floating on the surface in green-blue waters among seals and sea birds, and diving down among kelp and schools of fish, you truly feel a closeness to nature that's hard to find elsewhere. Because free diving (snorkeling) is the only method allowed when hunting for Abalone, there are some general tips you'll want to know before you head out to the coast.

About Abalone

Abalone are a species of marine gastropod mollusk. The red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, is the largest of the abalone species. The confirmed record catch is 12 5/16" and a woping 11.6 lbs! The record belongs to John Pepper, diving in Humbolt County (no, he won't tell you where) and in only 12 feet of water. See his photo below. This is the reigning record since 1993.

Abalone eat mainly kelp and algae, which is why you'll find them in the rocky kelp forests of Northern California. Protected coves and beaches are the best spots to start. Depending on the size and direction of the wind and swell, various spots along the coast offer easy entries and calm seas. See our California Diving page for more info on where to dive.

Abalone do not have any blood clotting ability, so even a small cut can kill them. Please be sure your ab is legal size before you pop it off the rock!

Abalone grow about an inch a year for the first four years of life. After that, the rate of growth seems to depend on the water temperature and availability of food. Generally, a 7 inch abalone is between 12 and 15 years old. It takes about 5 more years for them to grow to 8 inches and about 13 more to reach 9 inches.

Visit the CA Deptartment of Fish and Game Abalone Resources Page