scubaguy52:
.... .Saw lots of divers in near shore kelp beds between Malibu and Pt Hueneme....
Gary, turn back, there is no diving north of San Diego. Now are you talking about north of Malibu or including Malibu?
This question would be better asked in the SoCAL section under Clubs California Kelp Divers. Drop down and visit us.
North of Malibu I know there is (from Malibu City Limits going North):
1. Nicholas Canyon. Nice easy beach entry with good reef structure in 40 feet of water. Great dive and good stair/trail access to the beach.
2. Leo Carrillo which has lots of diving including areas called Sequit Point (shallow water and lots of reef structure in close) South Leo Carrillo and North Leo Carrillo, both have good kelp and reef structure in 40 feet or less of water.
3. Stair Case at the very end of Leo Carrillo right before the condos. Parking lot on the left at 40000 PCH $2.00. Good trail down with a log ladder for about 6-8 rungs. At the bottom you are greeted with a one of the better reef structures in the area and a great dive in 20 feet of water or so. this site is relatively unknown and one of my favorites.
4. County Line, located right after the condos. Steep hill to get down to the beach, but doable. Good surfing spot and diving too. Lots of reef here.
5. Deer Creek. Stairs down to the beach and a nice dive in less than 40 feet of water. Kelp and reef here and there.
After that that is about all the diving I know about in Ventura until you get into town. I have heard reports from others who have tried the odd spot here and there with out good results.
Now if you are talking about in Malibu, that is a whole new discussion with a bunch of dive sites.
Check
http://www.sandeaters.org dive sites for a description and photos of these and other dive sites.
Santa Barabara, I don't know anything about diving up there, except I have heard there are several places where you can get you suit oiled by the water so you have to be carefull of where you dive.
