

Best for beginner divers, 15-19m, boat entry, mild current.
Bowen Point on Santa Cruz Island offers a combination of reef and wall topography suitable for beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 15 to 19 metres, with an average depth of 17 metres. Access is by boat only, located 17 kilometres from shore. Divers can expect mild currents, though surge and swell are common, particularly near the wall structure. Visibility varies between 10 and 30 metres, and water temperatures fluctuate from 13 to 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A typical dive lasts 50 minutes. Divers should monitor water movement closely to maintain stability and manage buoyancy when navigating the wall.
33.95955, -119.72375
California sea lions are frequently encountered at Elephant Seal Cove and the Rookery, often interacting with divers by blowing bubbles and swimming around them.
Access is by boat only. Larger dive boats are suggested.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-19m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
13-17°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, with depths between 15 and 19 metres that fall within standard open-water limits.
The site ranges from 15 to 19 metres deep, with an average depth of 17 metres.
Bowen Point is a boat-only dive site located 17 kilometres from the shore.
Currents are generally mild, but divers should be prepared for surge and swell, which can affect buoyancy and positioning near the wall.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Bowen Point in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 17°C.