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Scuba diving at Shag Rock in Channel Islands
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Shag Rock

BAD
Channel IslandsBoat
About This Site
Shag Rock at Santa Barbara Island offers adventurous diving around a dramatic offshore pinnacle. Known for exceptional visibility, abundant marine life, and potential for large pelagic encounters, it's considered one of the premier advanced dive sites in the Channel Islands.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Max Depth

30m

Type

Boat

Typical Visibility

15m

Conditions Summary

Best time today

6AM - 9AM

POOR

Best day in forecast

Sunday

POOR

2026-02-15

Community-reported visibility

n/a

Warnings for today

  • High waves expected
  • Strong surge expected
  • Strong winds expected
  • Elevated bacteria levels possible due to recent rainfall

Exposed pinnacle off Santa Barbara Island's northern tip, taking the full brunt of dominant northwest and west-northwest swell. Northerly energy from all directions arrives at high strength. Westerly swell impacts the site significantly, while southwest wrap-around is moderate. Santa Barbara Island's mass provides good protection from south and southeast swell. This open water location means conditions closely follow the prevailing Pacific swell, with strong currents common around the rock's base.

NNEESESSWWNW
Protected
Partially Exposed
Exposed
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