Santa Barbara Island

Also known as 'The Island of the Sea Lion', also offers clear water and incredible invertebrate life. Though small in stature, Santa Barbara boasts a large rookery of California sea lions that provide hours of endless interaction!

Young pups sun themselves on the surface while adults speed through dense kelp beds and over the rocky reefs below. Keep your eyes open and watch your back -- harbor seals also live here and seem to enjoy sneaking up to scare the heck out of you while diving and snorkeling. Angel sharks and bat rays are easily found throughout the island's scattered sand flats.

Kayaking Santa Barbara is an experience as the sea lions enjoy frolicking in close proximity and you'll quite often find dozens of pups peering at you from all sides!

Divers, if you enjoy dramatic terrain and depth youwill want to dive the outside of Sutil Island, Black Caverns and the Underwater Arch. In season, lobster diving can be excellent. While white seabass and yellowtail prowl the outer edges of the kelp forests in search of a baitfish meal.

Plus the underwater spectacle of thousands of brittlestars, arms outstretched for a detritus meal...it is hard to fathom the sheer numbers of brittlestars that carpet the bottom of many of the dive sites!

Santa Barbara Island is part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary with 1/3 of it's aquatic area designated a reserve, off limits for hunting.

Beginner to advanced divers will enjoy all that Santa Barbara Island offers. You will find that we visit here on 2 - 4 day dive and eco adventures.

Santa Barbara Island, "The Island of the Sea Lion"!

Click to view interactive range map