Sea Sabres
Dive
Locations
Santa Barbara Island
The attraction here? Sea lions and clear water. This
island boasts a large rookery of California sea lions that have grown accustomed
to boats and will generally come looking for divers entering the water. Young
pups sun themselves on the surface near the boat while adults speed through
dense kelp beds and over rock reefs below. Keep your eyes open and watch your
back -- harbor seals also live here and seem to enjoy sneaking up to nibble a
fin or steal a speared fish. Angel sharks and bat rays are easily found
throughout the island's scattered sand flats. Those in search of drop offs,
dramatic terrain and depth will want to dive the outside of Sutil Rock and
Underwater Arch, an offshore rise rarely diveable due to prevailing currents
and swells. In season, lobster and abalone diving is fair. Spearfishing for
white seabass, kelp bass, sheephead and yellowtail can be excellent.
Also see Sutil Pass.
Santa Barbara is a national park and part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
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Updated September 15, 2003