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he smallest of the Channel Islands and II the U.S. Navy used the island as an early Barbara Island also has its Marine Protected
warning outpost. Santa Barbara Island is Areas (MPA) where it is strictly look and
T the home of both a sea lion rookery part of the Channel Islands National Marine don’t touch.
Sanctuary with 1/3 of its aquatic area desig-
and an elephant seal colony. The sea lion nated a reserve, off limits for hunting. S anta Barbara Island became one of five
colony is one of the largest in California islands included in Channel Islands
and certainly one of the most entertaining Y ou will find kelp forests, caves, under- National Park in 1980 and is only 38 miles
dives on the West Coast. The sea lions buzz water arches, pinnacles and rocky reefs. from San Pedro or 55 miles from Ventura
around the divers and entertain with their There is a variety of aquatic creatures such County. Santa Barbara Island was formed by
antics that are never threatening or harmful as bat rays, lobster, sea lions, large schools underwater volcanic activity and is roughly
to divers. The island itself is open to strong of fish, and lots of invertebrates with large triangular in outline and emerges from the
ocean currents, but with warmer water than and extensive kelp beds. The Rookery, off ocean as a giant, twin-peaked mesa with
the Northern Channel islands. Santa Bar- the island’s southeast side is where divers steep cliffs. The island can look quite barren
bara is a popular overnight trip because of enjoy the California sea lions, watching ea- at times, but changes with the seasons.
its sea lion rookery. This is considered the gerly. Typically, these are females and pups. Spring when the strange looking plant,
best place in Southern California to photo- They enjoy rushing at you, turning away the coreopsis, blossoms with bright yellow
graph sea lions. The island is very exposed, at the last possible instance and blowing flowers. After the flowers die the coreopsis
and the other excellent dive sites are often bubbles. The Rookery is just one of many goes dormant and looks as though its dead
not diveable. outstanding dive sites off Santa Barbara. waiting for another spring time to turn the
Other good dive sites are Arch Reef, Shag hills into a beautiful sight. Other plants,
S anta Barbara Island lies far south of the Rock, Hidden Reef, Sutil Island and more. like the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-
other Channel Islands. Smaller, about Visibility at Santa Barbara Island is generally forever, shrubby buckwheat, chickory, and
one square mile, and triangular, its steep about 30’-60’ depending on the time of year cream cups, add touches of color to the
cliffs rise to a marine terrace topped by with the fall, being the best time. Santa island’s palette.
two peaks. The highest point, Signal Peak,
is 635 feet in elevation. During World War
