

Best for intermediate divers, 6-33m, boat entry, mild current.
Gull Island, located off Santa Cruz Island, offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reef, wall, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 6 to 33 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Visibility varies significantly from 6 to 30 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and is suited for intermediate divers due to potential surge, swell, and cold water temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius. Species recorded around this area include scorpionfish, flatworms, sea hares, sea stars, ochre sea stars, tube worms, abalone, snails, and striped shore crabs. Divers should monitor for boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy.
33.94933, -119.82317
Pack a drysuit or a thick wetsuit of at least 7mm because 12 degrees Celsius will cut through thinner neoprene quickly on longer dives. Watch for boat traffic when surfacing, particularly on busy summer weekends, and always deploy your surface marker buoy before ascending.
Accessible by boat from the port of Ventura.
Recorded at this site
Depth
6-33m
Visibility
6-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
12-16°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Species recorded around this area include scorpionfish, flatworms, sea hares, sea stars, ochre sea stars, tube worms, abalone, snails, and striped shore crabs.
No, this site is intended for intermediate divers due to the presence of surge, swell, and cold water conditions.
Depths at this site range from 6 to 33 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres.
Gull Island is a boat-only dive site located 1600 metres from shore.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the shallow kelp-covered sections may be accessible to experienced snorkellers depending on surface conditions.
Diving at Gull Island in Santa Barbara requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Gull Island in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 16°C.
The best months to visit Gull Island in Santa Barbara are June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Gull Island in Santa Barbara typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Gull Island in Santa Barbara typically ranges from 6 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.