Isla
VistaOne of the most extensive kelp forests off the coastline of Santa Barbara is in the section known as Isla Vista between Coal Oil Point and Goleta Point. Marine life is abundant and this has always been a popular game dive. Spearfishing is good for calico and barred sand bass, as well as halibut and occasionally yellowtail and white sea bass.
Easy beach access can be found at (west to east) Camino Majorca, Camino Del Sur, Camino Pescadero, and El Embarcadero. While the beach access can be easy, this frankly can be a tough beach dive. Surf is not usually large, but the beach is a gently sloping mixed sand and rock bottom. Depending on the tide, you'll have to swim a long way through often very thick kelp to get to decent diving waters. A 200-to 300-yard swim is not unusual. Even so, if you a strong swimmer, this can be a rewarding dive.
If it is a good day, and you are comfortable in the thick kelp, the shallows close to shore can be a lot of fun. The reefs are low-lying ridges with an occasional overhang holding lobster hidden by abundant eel grass and feather boa kelp.
Out
about 200 yards, the water clears and bottom becomes broken reefs and
boulders. The kelp thins, making it easier to move about. None of the
reefs are particularly tall or large, but each is substantial enough
to hold nudibranchs, urchins, stars and snails. This was once prime
abalone hunting ground for the south coast. While they are few and
far between nowadays, it is still possible to stumble across one
here. Now protected south of San Francisco, do not disturb this noble
but simple mollusk. Someday they may return in numbers at this place.
But otters have begun to show up here from Central California. Nature is running its course. Otters are voracious predators of abalone. Regardless of how you feel about their presence, you won't be surprised if you see them here.
Between the rocks and reefs is where you will find the halibut. This is excellent halibut hunting territory. Waters are not too deep, so a tank of air will last longer. Free-divers will enjoy hunting white seabass, yellowtail, and calico bass here.
Closer
to Coal Oil Point the bottom drops away a bit faster. The name of
this spot is derived from natural oil seepage coming from the bluffs
and even the sea floor. An oil sheen can often be seen on the surface
of the water; it smells, and can even foul up gear. As with the
otters, this is nature. There is no direct shore access to Coal Oil
Point. Reaching this site requires either a long swim or long hike up
the beach.
Opposite of Coal Oil Point is Goleta Point. Water clarity is poorer but there is a nice reef off the point (boat dive only). Beyond Goleta Point is Goleta Beach. This beach holds a pier with a hoist for lightweight boats. This is an ideal set-up for divers wanting to launch an inflatable and head for Isla Vista. This is perhaps the best way to dive this area.
For Santa Barbara divers, Isla Vista offers numerous dives that can keep the underwater explorer busy all summer long, particularly spearfishers.
Location:
Between Goleta Point and Coal Oil Point west of the town of Santa
Barbara.
Access and entry: Four access points, most down stairs, one down ramp, to sand beach surf entry.
Skill Level: Advanced for beach diver, intermediate for boat divers.
Depths: To 45 feet.
Visibility: Poor to fair, averaging 10 to 15 feet.
Snorkeling: Some good opportunities for free-diving hunters. Visibility poor for sightseeing snorkelers.
Hunting: Spearfishing good for halibut, calicos, and sometimes white sea bass or yellowtail. Do you like to eat urchins? This is a good spot.
Photography: Poor wide-angle due to dirty water. Fair macro on the outside.
Hazards: Traverse through thick kelp on beach dive.
Facilities: None. Launch hoist and other facilities on pier at Goleta Beach to the east.
