

Best for beginner divers, 18-25m, boat entry, mild current.
South Point on Santa Cruz Island offers a combination of reef and kelp forest diving. The site features depths ranging from 18 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, allowing for clear views of the kelp canopy. Access is strictly by boat to avoid hazardous surf and shore breaks. While currents are generally mild, they can strengthen, and the site includes overhead environments created by reef structures. Water temperatures are cold, ranging from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection such as a thick wetsuit or drysuit.
33.89582, -120.10715
Wear a well-fitted drysuit or a thick wetsuit of at least 7mm because 12 to 15 degrees Celsius drains body heat faster than most beginners expect. Confirm current boat charter availability and any facility arrangements before your trip, as these change seasonally.
Charter boats to the Channel Islands depart regularly from Santa Barbara Harbor.
Recorded at this site
Depth
18-25m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
12-15°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Yes, the site is rated for beginners, though divers must be prepared for cold water temperatures and potential currents.
The site ranges from 18 to 25 metres in depth, with an average depth of 20 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site. Boat access is required to avoid hazardous surf and shore break conditions.
Water temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Divers should wear a well-fitted drysuit or a thick wetsuit of at least 7mm.
Hazards include cold water, strong currents, surf, and overhead environments created by the reef structures.
Diving at South Point in Santa Barbara requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at South Point in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 15°C.
The best months to visit South Point in Santa Barbara are January, February, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.