Tyler
BightSan Miguel is the most westerly of the Channel Islands and is one of the least often visited. The island is subjected to colder, and yet more nutrient-filled, waters than the other Islands, and there always seems to be more life here. On the western end of San Miguel is Point Bennett, famous for its huge herds of seals and sea lions.
Below Point Bennett is a nook in the coastline called Tyler Bight. This nook protects the dive site from the normal, northwest swell and provides a calm anchorage. The dive site is in about 45 feet of water, some 200 yards from shore; and the surrounding waters are comprised of massive boulders and mini pinnacles that create a maze of twisting and turning canyons and open topped passageways. Thick beds of giant kelp cover the shallows in summer, but the kelp is pretty thin in winter.
The tops of the rocks are covered with a thick layer of coraline algae, while the rock piles create shelter for fish and invertebrates. Look for large lingcod back in holes or on rocky perches. These bottom-dwellers spend most of the day sitting in one place waiting for some unsuspecting fish, or octopus to wander too close. There were also many, but small, rockfish - particularly blues and yellowtails.
Numerous
channels run south from the boulder field into deeper water. These
empty out to a sand bottom at about 80 feet. Some of the best diving
in the area is along the rocks in deeper water. The walls are dotted
with large anemones, starfish and sea fans.
It seemed that there were several gaudy nudibranchs on every square foot of rock. There were hundreds of Phidianas, Hermissandas, clown nudibranchs, Spanish shawls, and uncountable dorids. The nice thing about Tyler Bight for photographers is the bottom, which is varied, rugged and allows the opportunity for creative composition and angles. If you like to photograph nudibranchs, this is heaven.
Along the rocky walls are hundreds of abalone. I dived this area several years ago, and there were very few abalone to be seen. Today, the abalone are numerous and in plain sight. Most were over seven inches and many approached nine inches long. All appeared healthy, and none showed signs of withering foot syndrome. It has been illegal to pluck abalone in Southern Californian waters for several years now, and it is good to see that conservation efforts are working.
While diving at Tyler Bight, it is tempting to spend all you your time focused on the great invertebrate and fish life on the rocks. However, you should take the time to glance out into open water. Our group in January had the pleasure of sharing the site with a herd of playful sea lions, who provided hours of fun. Our group also spotted a large, blue shark. While not at all dangerous, blues do provide a bit of excitement.
Dive
Spot At - A - Glance
Location: Tyler Bight is located on the south side of San Miguel Island, on the far western end, near Point Bennett.
Access: Boat only. Commercial dive charter boats often dive here.
Skill Level: Beginner or better.
Hazards: Boat traffic, swell and surge.
Hunting: Fair to good spearfishing for lingcod, and rockfish. Abalone are protected.
Photography: Outstanding macro photography for nudibranchs, good wide-angle opportunities for sea lions and reef scenes.
Suggested Boats Serving This Area:
Liberty - (818) 352-8855
Spectre - (805) 483-6612
Peace - (805) 984-2025
Truth/Conception/Vision -
(805) 962-1127
or see the California Scuba Calendar section of this issue for trips to San Miguel Island.
Bruce Watkins is a regular contributor to California Diving News and hundreds of his articles and photographs have appeared in various magazines. He is the author of A Diver's Guide to Monterey County, published by Saint Brendan Corp.
