Page 141 - California Diving and Surfing

or those that would like to get up close kelers can see bright sea stars, spiny sea for its kelp forests and bat rays during the
urchins, and brilliant orange garibaldi fish. summer, Shag Rock (30’-70’ deep) with its
F and personal with Santa Barbara Island,
there are hiking trails and camping to really California sea lions and occasional harbor rocky reefs that are great for hunters look-

see the island. Another excellent way to see seals frequent the landing cove waters, and ing for halibut, fish or lobsters and Black

the island is by boat while you are diving the surrounding rocky ledges. Caverns (60’-100’ deep) which is favorite

with the seals or just cruising through a B etween Webster (the island’s western- advanced macrodive site for its caves and
beautiful kelp forest. most area) and Arch Points (its north- caverns with plenty of room between the
ernmost area) is Elephant Seal Cove where floor and the ceiling. You can also see sea
T he rocky shores of Santa Barbara Island you can almost always see sea lions. At the fans, gorgonians and colorful sponges.
also provide resting and breeding southwest side of Santa Barbara is Sutil Is-
areas for California sea lions, harbor seals land which is basically a 300 feet high rock. D iving Santa Barbara Island is excellent
and northern elephant seals. These marine for the photographer and sightseer

mammals feed in the rich kelp forests sur- T here are many excellent dive sites and with its lush kelp beds the island is a
rounding the island. The raucous barking of around Santa Barbara Island for divers good location for spear fisherman. Calico
the sea lions can be heard from most areas bass, white sea bass, yellowtail, and an oc-

of the island. Overlooks, such as the Sea of any level whether you are on a single day casional tuna are among the types of fish

Lion Rookery, Webster Point, and Elephant or multi-day trip. Santa Barbara Island has that can be found in the waters surround-

Seal Cove, provide excellent spots to look some very beautiful reefs lush with kelp ing the island. As with all Channel Islands,

down on seals and sea lions. Diving is also and underwater arches. Some of the great lobster divers make this a prime destination

another fun past time as is snorkeling in the dive sites are Arch Reef where you will find during season.

Landing Cove. Divers, kayakers and snor- purple hydrocoral, Sutil Pass (20’-70’ deep)