This particular lovely scene may be found just off the Sonoma County coast. Swim or paddle out from the Gerstle Cove landing in Salt Point State Park, head out beyond the cove itself, turn left and move south about a hundred yards at the far side of the current first really thick stand of kelp, and then dive on down. Look around. Repeat.
If my directions prove unhelpful, I'm sure you'll find plenty to please yourself with here, whether hunting or just taking photos.
Enjoy.
P.S. The abalone above is a very relaxed mollusk with the mantle so fully exposed, feeling with those frills for food. I think this one was a thick clicker, meaning barely legal at 7" diameter, but I was hunting with camera in hand, not my ab-iron.
