

Best for intermediate divers, 7-27m, boat entry, strong current.
Cathedral Cove at Anacapa Island offers diverse topography including reef, kelp forest, wall, drop-off, and pinnacle structures. Divers can explore depths between 7 and 27 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres. This site requires boat access and is suited for intermediate divers due to strong currents and surge. Marine life recorded here includes scorpionfish, sea stars, and red gorgonians, alongside uncommon sightings of garibaldi, horn sharks, Spanish shawls, and California spiny lobsters. Water temperatures remain between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius, necessitating a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. Always monitor for boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy.
34.00873, -119.43907
Current direction and strength can shift quickly, so brief carefully with your skipper before entry and agree on a pick-up plan before you hit the water. Boat traffic is active at this site, so stay close to your vessel on ascent and carry a surface marker buoy on every dive.
Accessible by boat from Ventura or Santa Barbara.
Recorded at this site
Depth
7-27m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-17°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
50 min
Divers regularly encounter scorpionfish, sea stars, and red gorgonians. Less frequently, you may spot garibaldi, horn sharks, Spanish shawls, California spiny lobsters, California morays, and various nudibranch species.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers. It features strong currents, surge, and requires boat access, necessitating solid buoyancy control and drift diving experience.
The site ranges from 7 to 27 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Cathedral Cove is boat-access only. A boat is required for entry and exit.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the strong currents and depth profile make it better suited for experienced divers. Snorkelling is not recommended due to the current and boat traffic.
Diving at Cathedral Cove in Santa Barbara requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Cathedral Cove in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 17°C.
Cathedral Cove in Santa Barbara can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Cathedral Cove in Santa Barbara typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.