Santa Barbara Island - Is It Worth It?

[Vegan Shark]

The ocean is always bluer on the other side, and NorCal diving just isn't the same after visiting Anacapa last month and getting a taste of nicer vis and new species. So I'm looking to head back for some SoCal diving in November, and have been looking at all the various boat destinations.

Santa Barbara looks pretty tempting with the sea lions, but it sounds like rough conditions usually prevent boats from reaching it. Is it pretty likely if I book a trip that I'll end up somewhere else? How's the diving there in your experience?

 

[diverrex]

The ocean is always bluer on the other side, and NorCal diving just isn't the same after visiting Anacapa last month and getting a taste of nicer vis and new species. So I'm looking to head back for some SoCal diving in November, and have been looking at all the various boat destinations.

Santa Barbara looks pretty tempting with the sea lions, but it sounds like rough conditions usually prevent boats from reaching it. Is it pretty likely if I book a trip that I'll end up somewhere else? How's the diving there in your experience?

Definitely worth it.

 

[Zog]

Yes, it's worth it, but it took me seven attempts before making it to Santa Barbara. Once we arrived at the sea lion rookery, the young sea lions jumped in the water to come play with us divers. Most of the boats end up at Catalina if the sea is too rough, but Catalina isn't shabby either

 

[Vegan Shark]

Haven't been to Catalina yet, so sounds like it's a win-win. Is the boat diving at Catalina usually better than the shore diving in the park there?

 

[Bob DBF]

Haven't been to Catalina yet, so sounds like it's a win-win. Is the boat diving at Catalina usually better than the shore diving in the park there?

Depends on where the boat is moored, Zog is out of LA and would be taking a boat out of LA / San Diego, Catalina is on the way back. If your like me and take a boat out of Ventura / Santa Barbara then Santa Cruz or Anacapa is on the way back. The longer drive might be worth it, if you want Catalina as your backup spot.


If you get there, Santa Barbara Island is a great spot.




Bob
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... you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?
Harry Calahan

 

[tracydr]

I haven't been there yet, we had to cancel due to my joint disease last summer. But, my husband has gone several times and its one of his favorite places. I watched the videos and it is spectacular.
We have a rain check on Truth Aquatics. My husband really likes their boats.
Which charter were you planning to use?
I would say it's well worth it and if you have to divert to Catalina, well,that's some great diving,too.

 

[diverrex]

Haven't been to Catalina yet, so sounds like it's a win-win. Is the boat diving at Catalina usually better than the shore diving in the park there?

You will get people on both sides of this. The park has lots of fans. Others like me prefer boat diving. The park is consistently good but I find doing 3 dives there somewhat repetitive. I also think it's easier to deal with gear on the boat rather than schlepping it to park and to get fills. But it's really a personal preference. You should try both and decide for yourself. Many people do some of each.

 

[Vegan Shark]

Truth Aquatics on Nov 30 is what I was looking at. Looks like it departs from Long Beach, so I'm guessing Catalina would be the backup.

What is the best season for the sea lions? Thought maybe pup season in late Spring/early Summer would get the most interactions, or are there so few divers out there that the sea lions are pretty guaranteed to come up to you?

 

[merxlin]

Truth Aquatics on Nov 30 is what I was looking at. Looks like it departs from Long Beach, so I'm guessing Catalina would be the backup.

What is the best season for the sea lions? Thought maybe pup season in late Spring/early Summer would get the most interactions, or are there so few divers out there that the sea lions are pretty guaranteed to come up to you?

The TA boats are based out of Santa Barbara, but the Truth is spending some time down here. I like Santa Barbara Island, and have enjoyed other areas besides the sea lion rookery that have more life (the sea lions make the rookery pretty much a barren area).

One thing to watch are for the big males- they are not as "playful" as the females and pups. Give them some room.

If you end up at Catalina and are able to dive "the other side" (southwest side of the island) it can be spectacular.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Please excuse the crudity of the analog video (I shot it about fifteen years ago) but this is a typical dive at the Santa Barbara Island rookery.