6m
    Beginner
    California, United States
    Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area

    Stearns Wharf

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area

    Why dive here

    Stearns Wharf is a reef dive in California, United States. Water ranges 14-21°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Water14-21°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterReef dive · max 6m

    Stearns Wharf is a surprisingly good shore dive for its accessibility, right off the beach in Santa Barbara. The depth rarely pushes past 6 meters, making it a comfortable spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy entry. Beneath the pilings, you’ll find a bustling community of nudibranchs, small crabs scuttling amongst the anemones, and often octopuses tucked away in crevices. The light filtering through the pier structure creates some interesting visual effects, and we've spotted some surprisingly large sheephead cruising through the shadows. It’s a great spot for an afternoon critter hunt when you don't want to commit to a boat trip.

    Typical Stearns Wharf Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m6m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Today06:0117:3211h 31m daylightGolden hour 16:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Stearns Wharf

    Stearns Wharf Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Stearns Wharf, sourced from NOAA NDBC buoy data - nearest station: Topanga Nearshore, CA (103) (221km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    19°C

    66°F · Range: 14–23.7°C

    Air Temperature

    18°C

    65°F

    Wave Height

    0.6m

    13.8s period

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC buoy data

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