Dive Santa Barbara - California
The team at Dive Santa Barbara are the people you want guiding you into the Channel Islands. They've been kitting out California divers for over 30 years, and it shows in their easy confidence and local knowledge. This is your pick if you’re looking to explore the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific, especially around Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. We love that they’re so focused on local diving. They really know their stuff out here, from where the garibaldi are nesting to the best spots for spotting a playful sea lion. The shop itself has that comfortable, lived-in feel of a good dive shop, smelling faintly of neoprene and salt. We’d suggest chatting with them about current conditions; the Channel Islands can throw up a surprise or two, but they’ll know if the swell is up or if the visibility is particularly good in the kelp forests. Expect giant kelp swaying like underwater Redwood forests, chilly but invigorating water, and some truly unique macro life hiding among the fronds. If you’re into temperate diving and aren't afraid of a bit of a boat ride, these are your people.
- Location
- California, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 34.409157, -119.692960
- Phone
- +1 805-963-3564
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.divesantabarbara.com
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI Dive Center [padi:2210]
- Address
- 301 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California 93101, United States
Dive Sites Near Dive Santa Barbara
Dive Santa Barbara provides access to 15 dive sites in California.
Other Dive Centres in California
- Adventure Sports Unlimited - PADI
- Adventure West Scuba - PADI
- Aloha Scuba
- Anderson's SCUBA diving
- Any Water Dive Center - PADI, DAN
- Aquanautics Dive, Inc - ["PADI"]
- Aquarius Dive Shop
- Aqua Safaris - EFR, DAN
- Aqua Sports
- ASD Scuba School
Best Time to Dive in California
The warmest water temperatures in California occur in August, averaging 20.6°C (up to 24.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 14.0°C.
The calmest sea conditions are typically in July with average wave heights of 0.60m.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 14.4°C (air: 14.0°C)
- February: 14.0°C (air: 13.8°C)
- March: 14.2°C (air: 13.3°C)
- April: 14.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
- May: 16.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
- June: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
- July: 20.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
- August: 20.6°C (air: 19.6°C)
- September: 20.4°C (air: 19.7°C)
- October: 18.8°C (air: 18.4°C)
- November: 16.3°C (air: 16.0°C)
- December: 15.6°C (air: 14.3°C)
Marine Life in California
Home to 10 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.
Notable Marine Life
- Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
- Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish
- Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) - Reef Fish
- Little post horn squid (Spirula spirula) - Octopus & Squid
- Prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) - Reef Fish
- cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) - Reef Fish
- Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) - Reef Fish
- brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) - Reef Fish
- Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for California
Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C.
- Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
- Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories