

Best for beginner divers, 15-25m, boat entry, mild current.
Bechers Cove on Santa Cruz Island offers a combination of reef structure and kelp forest diving. The site is accessible only by boat and features depths ranging from 15 to 25 metres. Divers encounter mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Due to the kelp canopy, entanglement is a risk, and divers should carry cutting tools. Water temperatures remain cool, between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, requiring thermal protection such as a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, sea urchins, and sharks. This site is suitable for beginners, though careful navigation through the kelp is necessary.
34.00363, -120.03175
Wear at least a 7mm wetsuit or a drysuit given the consistent cold, and carry a dive knife or shears for kelp entanglement. Watch for boat traffic on the surface before and after your dive, as this is a boat-access site with no shore entry.
Permits are required for diving in Channel Islands National Park.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
15-25m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
12-16°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, the site is rated as suitable for beginner divers.
The site features depths ranging from 15 to 25 metres.
Bechers Cove is a boat-access site; boat entry is required.
Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, entanglement in kelp, sea urchins, sharks, and surf.
Divers should wear a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit for cold water and carry a dive knife or shears to manage kelp entanglement risks.
Diving at Bechers Cove in Santa Barbara requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
The best months to visit Bechers Cove in Santa Barbara are June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Bechers Cove in Santa Barbara typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Bechers Cove in Santa Barbara typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.