Giant kelp confirmed 15 days ago

Gull Island

Channel Islands · United States

A rocky islet a little over a mile off the exposed backside (south shore) of Santa Cruz Island, ringed by giant kelp growing over boulder reef. A north south mini wall drops from the kelp canopy toward outer walls that fall past 30 m, with clumps of purple California hydrocoral (Stylaster californicus) clinging to the deeper rock. California sheephead, garibaldi and spiny lobster work the reef while sea lions strafe the canopy overhead. It sits inside the Gull Island State Marine Reserve, so fish densities run high, but the open south side exposure to swell and current makes it an advanced dive.

Conditions

Depth

6 to 34 m

Advanced depths

Current

Can be moderate

Can pick up on the edge

Visibility

9 to 18 m

Clearest in the calm season

Water

13 to 20°C

7mm wetsuit

Month by month

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Water (°C)	13	13	13	13	14	15	17	18	18	17	15	14
Vis (m)	6	6	6	6	6	6	9	9	12	15	12	9
Current	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate