Visibility refers to the distance you are able to see while in the water. Several factors play a role in how much visibility there is at a particular site, and these can change from day to day.

One of the major factors is bottom composition. Fine sand, silt, and mud are easily stirred up into the water by currents and waves, so visibility is generally better at sites with rocky bottoms or coarse sand.

Visibility can also be reduced by heavy populations of microscopic plants and animals. These growths are often temporary, and can disappear after a few days.

Rivers, streams, and runoff from storms are other factors that reduce visibility. These waters carry sediments into the ocean, and result in murky waters.