San Benito Islands (Islas San Benito)

San Benito Islands, a group of three small volcanic islands, 280 miles south of San Diego and 50 miles west of the Baja peninsula, is a diver and eco adventurers playground.

These islands hold a vibrant mix of colorful southern California undersea life in its magnificent kelp beds along with multiple species of pinneped, birds and desert island plants. The amount of life found underwater at San Benito has been likened to that of the Channel Islands 75 years ago!

Kelp diving is at its best here--each island is ringed with thick lush kelp beds loaded with temperate, tropical and sub tropical fish species. The giant kelp plants are anchored to convoluted rocky reefs, home to unbelievable amounts of abalone and lobster. Near shore are shallow sand flats where bat rays are typically found, while offshore we've seen mobulas, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and marlin!

Many offshore islets and submerged pinnacles exist here, bathed in ocean currents and covered with thick invertebrate life. Purple hydrocoral grows on these pinnacles in abundance, surpassing even that of Northern California. Large schools of gamefish, especially yellowtail, can be seen swirling around these offshore pinnacles. The Alley and The Rock are perhaps the island's most famous dive locations, for it is here that large schools of pelagic 20-40 pound yellowtail are almost always found.

For scuba divers, one of San Benito's greatest assets is certainly the abundance of California sea lions and Guadalupe fur seals. These beautiful pinnipeds make their homes in the small pocket coves and rocky outcroppings. Most notable is San Benito's middle island, the site of a breeding colony and absolutely crammed full of sea lions.

During our eco-tours you will have the opportunity to hike on the west island along the spectacular rocky shoreline while viewing northern elephant seals, California sea lions and fur seal rookeries. Multiple species of desert birds and plants are found here. Osprey are very abundant and at times can be quite photogenic.

Our scuba, freediving and eco tours make stops at San Benito. Scuba divers of intermediate to advanced levels will enjoy this destination. If you are an eco explorer that enjoys the beauty of Baja, and are into desert island botany and birding, this is a great stop for you to experience.

If you've wanted to see a supercharged version of California's Channel Islands, San Benito Islands is your destination!

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