

Best for beginner divers, 6m, boat entry, mild current.
Yellow Banks is a shallow reef located at Anacapa Island, United States, featuring a consistent depth of 6 metres. This site is suitable for beginner divers, offering a comfortable environment with mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Access is by boat only. Water temperatures fluctuate between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Divers should exercise caution regarding buoyancy and hand placement, as the reef substrate contains sharp rocks and sea urchins. Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, Garibaldi, Spanish shawls, horn sharks, and California spiny lobsters.
34.00340, -119.54675
Watch where you put your hands and fins as sea urchins and sharp rock and coral are present throughout the reef. Confirm current facility and boat availability with your local dive operator before heading out, as provisions can change.
Permits are required for diving in Channel Islands National Park.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
6m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-18°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, Garibaldi, Spanish shawls, horn sharks, harbor seals, and California spiny lobsters.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow, consistent 6-metre depth and mild currents.
The reef sits at a consistent depth of 6 metres.
Yellow Banks is a boat-only dive site.
Divers should watch for sea urchins and sharp rocks on the reef. Protective footwear is recommended and maintaining neutral buoyancy is essential to avoid contact with the substrate.
Diving at Yellow Banks 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 Yellow Banks in Santa Barbara. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C.
The best months to visit Yellow Banks in Santa Barbara are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Yellow Banks in Santa Barbara typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Yellow Banks in Santa Barbara typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.