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HIGH SIERRA DIVERS 217 Palm Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 823-6757 E-Mail info@hsdivers.com Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM |
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HIGH SIERRA DIVERS 217 Palm Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 823-6757 E-Mail info@hsdivers.com Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM |
The Directions to Truth Aquatics at Sea Landing in Santa Barbara
... , coming down the cost South on Hwy 101, take the Castillo Street (Beach Area) off ramp. Turn right on Castillo Street. It will dead end into Cabrillo Boulevard. Turn right on Cabrillo Boulevard, then take the very next left onto Harbor Way into the Marina, and make an immediate left to the parking attendant's booth. He will direct you to "SEA Landing."
... , coming down the cost North on Hwy 101, take the Cabrillo Boulevard. Note, it is a left lane off ramp. Go left and stay on Cabrillo Boulevard past the main pier (State Street) Take your next left, which is Harbor Way into the Marina, and make an immediate left to the parking attendant's booth. He will direct you to "SEA Landing."
| The
California Channel Islands |
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California's Channel Islands are one of the last untouched,
undeveloped areas of the world. The Islands are comprised of
eight islands off the coast of Southern California, extending
for about 160 miles from Point Conception to San Diego, the
most famous and well-populated island being Santa Catalina Island.
Five of the Islands fall within the boundaries of Channel Islands National Park including San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island. San Miguel has the distinction of supporting five species of seals and sea lions, more than anywhere else in the North Pacific. The Channel Islands are truly an experience in untouched natural beauty; incorporating hundreds of miles of unspoiled island coastlines and species of wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Each individual island has its own charm, lore, wildlife and geography. When cruising the waters around the Channel Islands, you'll behold the natural beauty of rugged peaks and precipitous cliffs, sea water spraying to the heavens from naturally formed island blowholes and see island shores teeming with breeding colonies of sea birds, seals and sea lions. On the return trip to Santa Barbara it is common to encounter Grey, Humpback, and Blue whales. Bring plenty of film on these trips. |
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San
Miguel Island
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San
Miguel Island (9,325 acres). Fifty-five
miles off the coast from Ventura, San Miguel Island is the
farthest west of the Channel Islands. Because of its location
in the open ocean, it is subject to high winds and lots of
fog. The island is a tableland of lush grasses and wild-flowers,
with 27 miles of jagged, rocky coastline dotted with sandy
white beaches. The western-most of these beaches, Point Bennett,
is the only place in the world where up to six different species
of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) can be found. What to see: San Miguel is famous worldwide for its pinniped show. In the winter, as many as 20,000 individual seals and sea lions can be seen at one time on Point Bennett, where they breed and where the pups are born. Other wildlife includes the island fox, a species that is found only on the Channel Islands. Spring and summer the skies are filled with sea and land birds. Fossil bones of the Pleistocene pygmy mammoth, archeological sites of human habitation more than 10,000 years old, and a memorial to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the European discoverer of California, are all found on the island. A geologic feature called the caliche forest attracts many people. This ghost forest was formed by caliche sand castings of plant roots and trunks. Today the plants are long gone, leaving behind the eerie stone replicas. San Miguel wild flowers are spectacular, due to the abundance of fog and moisture. |
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Santa
Rosa Island
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Santa
Rosa Island (52,794 acres), the
second largest of the Channel Islands, is 40 miles west of
Ventura. It is a diverse island of grass-covered rolling hills,
steep canyons, creeks, rocky inter-tidal areas and sandy beaches.
It is a treasure of archeological sites, some dating back
nearly 11,000 years. The former owners of the island continue
to lease Santa Rosa until the year 2011 for game hunts.
What to see: Santa Rosa has several rare plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. It also is home to the endemic island fox and the spotted skunk. The sandy beaches and cliffs are breeding and resting areas for sea birds and seals and sea lions. Archeological and paleontological sites are abundant on the island. In 1994, the world's most complete skeleton of a pygmy mammoth a dwarf species related to the Columbian mammoths, was excavated on Santa Rosa. Today, paleontologists continue to discover more sites with the remains of these Pleistocene-era animals. What to do: Hiking, camping, attending naturalist-led hikes, kayaking, fishing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, surfing, boating and wildlife watching are frequent activities. Groups of kayakers can circumnavigate the island camping on selected beaches. Along with a ranger one may explore tide pools, hike Lobo Canyon and view midden sites. |
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Santa
Cruz
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Cruz is the largest island off the
coast of California. Located between Anacapa and Santa Rosa
Islands, it lies from 19-25 miles off the adjacent mainland
coast between Ventura and Santa Barbara. The scenic beauty of Santa Cruz is reflected in its many land forms-two rugged mountain ranges, the highest peaks on the Channel Islands, deep canyons, a central valley, year-round springs and streams, plus 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. Lying directly on the boundary between cold northern and warm southern waters, this island hosts unique plant, animal, and marine communities representing nearly 1000 miles of coastline. According to legend, Santa Cruz Island was named for a priest's staff accidentally left on the island during the Portola expedition of 1769. A Chumash Indian found the cross-tipped stave and returned it to the priest. The Spaniards were so impressed that they called this island of friendly people "La Isla de Santa Cruz", the Island of the Sacred Cross. Today, Santa Cruz Island is divided between The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the western 90% of the island; the eastern 10% is owned and managed by the National Park Service. What to See: In its vastness and variety of flora, fauna and geology, Santa Cruz Island resembles a miniature California. Geologists believe that the island never has been attached to the mainland. All three major rock types-igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic-are found throughout this rugged, mountainous island. Nestled between two mountain ranges that rise above 2,000 feet, is a pastoral Central Valley that was, and still is, being created by a major earthquake fault. Permanent and seasonal water sources, plus a number of micro-climates, support over 650 species of plants and trees in ten different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Owing to millions of years of isolation, eight of these plants are "endemic"-they grow nowhere else in the world. Springtime is a patchwork of blooming annuals, sometimes seen from the mainland as bright splashes of color. Over 140 land bird species have been identified here. The Island scrub jay, a Santa Cruz Island endemic, is a living example of "gigantism," whereby some island animals evolve to a larger form. This bird is one-third bigger and much bluer than the mainland scrub jay. Other animals, like the island fox and spotted skunk, tend toward "dwarfism," growing smaller over the ages. Eleven other mammal species (nine bats, deer and harvest mouse) three kinds of amphibians (pacific chorus frog, black belly slender salamander, and the Channel Islands slender salamander) and five reptiles (side-blotched lizard, Southern alligator lizard, western fence lizard, western yellow belly racer and gopher snake) might be seen by the lucky visitor. The marine life surrounding Santa Cruz is a whole other world. Porpoises, dolphins, and whales can be sighted near island shores, feeding in the wealth of kelp forests. Pinnipeds such as harbor seals and California sea lions "haul out" in isolated coves to warm themselves and seek refuge. Ragged cliffs, offshore rocks and tide pools support large colonies of breeding sea birds, shellfish, crustaceans and other shoreline plants and animals. Santa Cruz Island has some of the largest, and deepest sea caves in the world. In the largest, known as Painted Cave because of its colorful rock types, lichens, and algae, the entrance ceiling rises upward to 160 feet. Nearly a quarter mile long and 100 feet wide, with a waterfall over its entrance in the spring, Painted Cave is breathtaking. Many historic buildings dot the landscape of Santa Cruz and mirror tales of its inhabitants. Adobe ranch houses, barns, blacksmith and saddle shops, wineries, and a chapel all attest to the many uses of Santa Cruz in the 1800's and 1900's. Prior to Spanish exploration and the ranching days, the island was known as "Limuw" to the resident Chumash Indians. A dozen villages housed nearly 2,000 people, many of them producing "shell-bead money" used as a major trade item by tribes throughout California. Large plank canoes, called "tomols," provided transportation between the islands and mainland. Remnants of their civilization can still be seen in thousands of "shell middens" on the island. The protection and preservation of these resources, both natural and cultural, is the major mission of the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy, the two overseers of Santa Cruz Island. Your concern and care will help protect this rare and unique treasure for future generations to enjoy and study. What to Do: Hiking: Many trails and roads traverse the ridges and canyons of Santa Cruz, providing spectacular views of unspoiled coves and beaches. On The Nature Conservancy property, visitors can walk the magnificent 1.5-mile coastal trail between Prisoner's Harbor and Pelican Bay or hike up the numerous canyons, which extend from the beach to the interior of the island. The eastern end of Santa Cruz offers trails and roads to Cavern Point, Potato Harbor, and Smuggler's Cove. Ask for the Eastern Santa Cruz Island Visitor Guide for maps and more detailed information on hiking opportunities on this eastern end. Camping: A year-round campground is operated by the National Park Service at Scorpion Ranch on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. Campers may choose between numerous shaded canyon sites. All gear must be carried by campers up to 1/2 mile. The campsites are primitive and all provisions must be brought by campers, including food, drinking water and fueled camp stoves. Open fires are allowed in specified locations. Some wood is available, but only charcoal briquets or manufactured logs (prestolight/duraflame eg) can be brought to the island. Do not bring regular firewood as it can introduce insects and non-native plant species to the island. Enclosed camp stoves are permitted. Pit toilets are provided. A reservation is required and can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 365-CAMP (2267). No camping is allowed on The Nature Conservancy property (the western 90% of the island). For more information regarding Camping on the Channel Islands see the web page. Picnics: Tables for day-use are available at both Scorpion Ranch and Smugglers' Cove. There are no food or drink concessions. Public pit toilets are found at both locations. Water Sports: Swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving are popular pastimes at many Santa Cruz Island coves and beaches. Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular among island visitors, and the crystalline waters, sea caves, cliffs, and coves of Santa Cruz await the adventurous traveler. Water sport equipment rentals, guided tours and classes can be arranged through local shops, outfitters and Island Packers. The Sea Kayaking Page provides information on kayaking around the island including contacts for guided trips and equipment rentals. Ocean conditions are highly variable and sometimes dangerous. They should be carefully checked before entering the water. There are no lifeguards on duty, so all water sports are at your own risk. Regulations: For Your Safety Many trails and roads on Santa Cruz Island are rugged and mountainous, so visitors should be in good physical condition. Extra caution should be exercised when approaching cliff side overlooks, since the edges tend to be crumbly and unstable. Stay well back, especially if you are accompanied by children. A strain of Hanta Virus has been identified in mouse populations on Anacapa, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and San Miguel Islands in Channel Islands National Park. For more information on Hanta Virus and precautions to take while on the island. Kayakers and other seaside explorers should use extra caution when exploring sea caves. Ocean currents, waves and tides can cause tricky channel conditions. Kayakers should also see the Sea Kayaking Page for further information. Resource Protection: As in all national parks, all resources are protected completely under federal law. Visitors may not collect, harass, feed, or otherwise harm the wild life, plant life or other natural and cultural resources of Channel Islands National Park. This includes, but is not limited to, plants, animals, rocks, shells, feathers and other natural, archeological, underwater and historic features within the park. Under federal law it is illegal to disturb seabirds, or seals and seal lions. They are very sensitive to any type of human disturbance, especially during nesting and pupping seasons. In order to avoid disturbance, check the map to locate haul-out, pupping and nesting sites and do not approach these areas. Visitors should stay 100 yards away from marine mammals and seabirds. Closures and Permits: To protect the exceptional biological, cultural and historical resources of Santa Cruz Island the National Park Service has established the following regulations: A reservation is required to camp (camping only allowed on eastern Santa Cruz) and can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 365-CAMP (2267). Airplanes must be 1000 ft above sea level unless authorized by the NPS or the Nature Conservancy. No pets allowed on the island. No smoking except on the beach or in the campground. The National Park boundary around Santa Cruz Island extends 1 nautical mile offshore. Within this area, there are several agencies that have management responsibility and regulations. For complete information regarding these regulations, please refer to the National Marine Sanctuary's Synopsis of Regulations brochure available at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Santa Cruz Island Facts: Santa Cruz Island is located in Santa Barbara County. Santa Cruz is California's largest island, almost three times the size of Manhattan. It is approximately: 24 miles long and up to 6 miles wide (32 km. by 9 km.) 96 square miles (249 sq. km.) 62,000 acres (25,100 hectares) Average rainfall-20 inches. Temperature range-20 F to 100 F. Painted Cave is the largest known sea cave in the world. Picacho Diablo (Devil's Peak) is the tallest peak on the Channel Islands at 2,434 ft. (730 meters). Santa Cruz has the greatest number of plant and animal species of all the Channel Islands. |
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Anacapa
Island
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| Anacapa
Island is located 14 miles off the
coast from Ventura. It is the only Channel Island to retain
its American Indian name, derived from the Chumash word, "Eneepah",
meaning island of deception or mirage. Ocean waves have eroded
the perimeter of the island, creating steep sea cliffs towering
hundreds of feet in height and exposing the volcanic origins
of air pockets, lava tubes, and sea caves. At the east end of Anacapa a natural bridge has formed in the ocean. Forty-foot high Arch Rock is a trademark of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. What to see: Sea birds are the most conspicuous wildlife on Anacapa. The largest breeding colony of the endangered California brown pelican is located on West Anacapa. Other sea birds include western gulls and several species of cormorants. The island's rocky shores provide resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Catch a glimpse of the fascinating undersea world of the kelp forest without even getting wet. During the summer, park rangers dive into the Landing Cove on East Anacapa with a video camera. Visitors can see, through the eye of the camera, what the diver is seeing by watching video monitors on the dock. Pristine tide pools can be explored. Springtime brings colorful flowers, including the strange tree sunflower, or coreopsis, a plant found only on the Channel Islands and a few isolated areas on the mainland. Visit the museum on the island, which houses the original crystal and brass Fresnel lens from the lighthouse. What to do: Camping, hiking, ranger-led interpretive hikes, picnicking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, swimming, kayaking, bird watching, exploring tide pools, and getting away from the mainland city-congestion are some of the activities you can do on Anacapa Island. |
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Santa Barbara
Island
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Santa
Barbara Island (639 acres), 38 miles
west of San Pedro, is the smallest of the California Channel
Islands. Formed by underwater volcanic activity, Santa Barbara
is roughly triangular in outline and emerges from the ocean
as a giant twin-peaked mesa with steep cliffs. Even though small
in size, Santa Barbara Island boasts diversity in its habitats,
with a few narrow rocky beaches, six canyons, and badlands area.
It is much like Anacapa Island in its being a haven for sea
birds. The steep cliffs and isolation from mainland predators
provide safe breeding sites for thousands of sea birds.
Click on the Dive Flag Buttons for more Information
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