When most people think of scuba diving, they imagine the vast, deep blue open ocean, a topical coral reef or perhaps a jungle-like kelp forest. While those more commonly explored waters certainly have their magic, nearshore dives offer a unique and captivating experience that's not to be missed. Learn about the seagrass fields, mangroves and sponge grounds--all shallow dive sites waiting to be explored.

When people think of the Appalachian Mountains, they often imagine hiking, chasing waterfalls, drinking local beer and searching for Bigfoot. But did you know that you can scuba dive and snorkel here too? Learn all about it from this interview with PADI Instructor Ischa Vingle.

Contributor Rachel Plunkett chronicles her North American dive adventures while living the nomad lifestyle—finding places to dive wherever her van is parked. Hear what it takes to dive for fossils in South Carolina's Cooper River.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, often described as the “Galapagos of North America,” is home to incredible marine wildlife, kelp forests, and maritime heritage artifacts, and contains waters that sustained Chumash people since time immemorial.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is an off the beaten path destination for the most adventurous divers. Divers who visit the sanctuary can explore some of the healthiest corals in the world, a manta ray nursery and a chance to see whale sharks.

Marine sponges — they’re fluffy, sometimes crusty, and sometimes slimy, and they fill the reef with a rainbow of colors from red to purple. Learn about these fascinating filter feeders so you can appreciate on your next scuba adventure!