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Santa Barbara
California, United States6 dive sites
About This Area
Santa Barbara offers diverse diving experiences centered around the spectacular Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The area is known for its remarkable underwater visibility, healthy kelp forests, and abundant marine life. The islands feature dramatic underwater topography including walls, pinnacles, and caves that attract divers from around the world.
Features
- •Access to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
- •Protected waters with exceptional biodiversity
- •Lush kelp forests and rocky reefs
- •Diverse dive sites from beginner to advanced
- •Encounters with sea lions, harbor seals, and bat rays
- •Historic shipwrecks and underwater artifacts
Diving Tips
- •Water temperatures range from 50-65°F depending on season
- •Charter boats to the Channel Islands depart regularly from Santa Barbara Harbor
- •Best visibility occurs during fall and winter months (40-100 feet)
- •7mm wetsuit or drysuit recommended year-round
- •Multi-day trips offer the best opportunity to experience various sites
- •Check conditions carefully as currents can be strong around the islands
Map Area Overview
Current Visibility: Unknown
