Scuba Diving in Santa Barbara-Goleta-Isla Vista

Diving the cold waters of California can bewilder those who are not aficionados of the water. Being a Scorpio, I revel getting into the ocean. While I prefer the Andaman sea, being a true California native (I have immunity from prosecution for rolling stops) I make the most of our wonderful ocean. While surfing upon the surface at Rincon may be enjoyable, nothing beats getting under the surface and seeing the life in the kelp forests. If you, like me, take the time to search out websites devoted to dive sites in SB you will find scant information to help you in your quest. If you are visiting you may be really confused, since there is really no info on where to go and what to see underwater. A favorite spot, that really requires a boat, is Isla Vista. I found this wonderful site that outlines the site:
http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnjuly00/scoast7.html

I dove this wonderful site with the help of my friend Brian who took me out to the spot on his amazing boat. We had two relaxing dives in the kelp forest. My dive buddy Brenton and I were the only two in the water along that entire stretch in front of UCSB. Huge horseshoe crabs skimmed the sandy bottom as we searched for the reef. While we never did find any reef to speak of it was still a very special dive nonetheless. Worth the hike if you are set on a local beach dive.

While this site is possible to dive as a beach dive, I would rather recommend that you go out to Butterfly Beach in front of the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel instead. Walk as far left as possible and swim about 1/4 mile out to find kelp and a shallow reef. I hope this helps those looking for an adventure during their time in Santa Barbara.

I have gone as far north as Refugio beach diving off the beach. Technical difficulties, caused me to abort the dive. I can say that the fact it is much further north means it is a much more exposed site: wind and chop. So be aware and dive within your abilities.