

Best for intermediate divers, 3-36m, boat entry, moderate current.
Santa Barbara Island offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reefs, kelp forests, walls, and caves. Divers can explore depths ranging from 3 to 36 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Access to this site is exclusively by boat. Conditions vary, with moderate currents, surge, and visibility typically between 12 and 27 metres. Water temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 14C and 16C throughout the year. Due to the presence of strong currents and surge, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Hazards include potential entanglement in kelp and the presence of sharks. Species recorded around this area include California Sea Lions, Garibaldi, and California Spiny Lobsters.
33.47560, -119.03700
Most charters to Santa Barbara Island involve an overnight trip due to its distance from the mainland.
Located 38 miles offshore from coastal California. Access is via boat charter from Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Channel Islands harbors.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-36m
Visibility
12-27m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-16°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Sep, Oct, Nov
Species recorded around this area include California Sea Lions, Northern Elephant Seals, Spanish Shawl, Garibaldi, Scorpionfish, California Spiny Lobsters, Hermissenda, Wrasses, Egg-yolk Jellyfish, Neptunazurea kempfi, Macfarland's Chromodorid, Atlantic Pyrosomes, Kelp Bass, and California Golden Gorgonian.
No, this site is intended for intermediate divers due to the presence of strong currents, surge, and potential entanglement hazards.
The site features a depth range of 3 to 36 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site located approximately 61 kilometres from the shore.
While the site is primarily used for diving, snorkelling is possible, though the depth and current conditions should be carefully considered.
Diving at Santa Barbara Island 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 Santa Barbara Island in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 16°C.
The best months to visit Santa Barbara Island in Santa Barbara are September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at Santa Barbara Island in Santa Barbara. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Santa Barbara Island in Santa Barbara typically ranges from 12 metres to 27 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.