Sutil Island
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Sutil is located off the southwest corner of Santa Barbara Island and sits amidst spectacular diving. The relief is dramatic. The top of a reef may start at 20 feet, drop to 40 a short distance away, plummet to 90 feet, then skyrocket back to 50. The area is an endless series of walls, sand channels, canyons, and rocky plateaus. Kelp forests garnish the island waters. Description from National Park Service.
| Coordinates | 33.464447, -119.049139 |
| Depth | 0-90 feet |
| Skill Level | Experienced |
| Access Method | Boat |
| Protection Status | Marine Reserve |
Contents
Amenities
Attractions & Wildlife
Temperatures above and below water hint at the tropics. It is often calm and sunny at Santa Barbara, and visibility of 100 feet is not uncommon. More southern ranging species are found here. You may see schools of white sea bass in the blue water beyond the drop-offs of Sutil in summer. Silhouetted bat rays swim gracefully overhead or bury themselves in the sand. Purple hydrocoral grows in isolated clusters around the island, and Santa Barbara hosts two pinniped rookeries. Sea lions breed off the southeastern slopes, and elephant seals haul out near Webster Point.
Entry & Access
Skill Level & Hazards
Sutil Island is fairly exposed and there is often swell or current. By diving a little deeper you can usually escape the brunt of the surge. Plenty of enticing dive sites around Santa Barbara offer more protection, but Sutil is still worth the effort.
Nearest Emergency Medical Facilities
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