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Overview
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.
Briefing note
Inside the Gull Island State Marine Reserve - no take of any marine life. The site sits on Santa Cruz Island's open south side, fully exposed to ocean swell and current, with deep outer walls dropping past 30 m; cold water, surge and kelp entanglement demand solid buoyancy and cold-water experience. Trips are weather-dependent - check NOAA swell forecasts before booking. Visibility is plankton-limited in spring and early summer and peaks in October-November.
What you'll see
8 species curated- year-roundGiant kelp
- year-roundCalifornia hydrocoral
- year-roundGaribaldi
- year-roundCalifornia sheephead
- year-roundCalifornia spiny lobster
- year-roundCalifornia sea lion
- year-roundBat ray
- seasonalGiant sea bassPeak: Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Conditions
| Month | Water | Visibility | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13–15 °C | 6–12 m | moderate |
| Feb | 13–14 °C | 6–12 m | moderate |
| Mar | 13–14 °C | 6–15 m | moderate |
| Apr | 13–15 °C | 6–12 m | moderate |
| May | 14–16 °C | 6–12 m | moderate |
| Jun | 15–17 °C | 6–15 m | moderate |
| Jul | 17–19 °C | 9–18 m | moderate |
| Aug | 18–20 °C | 9–18 m | moderate |
| Sep | 18–20 °C | 12–21 m | moderate |
| Oct | 17–19 °C | 15–24 m | moderate |
| Nov | 15–17 °C | 12–24 m | moderate |
| Dec | 14–15 °C | 9–18 m | moderate |
Season calendar
Peak season highlighted · current month outlined
Next step
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