Summerland

 Location:  Next to 101 freeway in the city of Summerland

 Skill Level:  All Levels

 Attraction:  Lobster & Crabs

 Entry/Exit:  Entries and exits at this location are relatively easy.  The cove is protected from most ocean swells and currents.  The beach is free of rocks and has a gradual slope.  The most difficult part associated with this site is the step access road to the beach.  While this is an excellent spot to do a kayak dive, keep in mind that what you carry down, you have to carry back up.  

 Dive Briefing:  The water is generally 15-25 ft. deep.  There is an oily film covering the top of the water until you get out a little further into the cove.  The bottom is sandy with scattered rocks.  Visibility had been generally poor, ranging from 3-5ft.  The cove is shallow and some of the better diving appears to be further out.  A kayak dive is recommended.  Numerous crab and lobster traps are scattered among the kelp beds.

  Facilities:  There are restrooms located at the west end of the park.  There is a shower next to the parking lot to rinse off sandy gear.  Park closing hours may vary.

 Permits/Licenses: Appropriate fishing license for taking game.

 Recreation:  Summerland has a few nice restaurants and antique shops.  The city of Santa Barbara is only a few minutes away and has hundreds of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. 

 Trip Costs:  n/a

 Service Info: 

            Emergency Numbers:

            Emergency Operator:  911

                Diver’s Alert Network: (919) 684-4326

                US Coast Guard: (310) 833-6100

                Recompression and Medical Facilities

            Las Robles Medical Center

                Catalina chamber  

                Weather Reports:

            National Weather Service Marine Weather Page

                                www.nws.mbay.net/marine.html

                National Weather Service Tide Tables

                                www.nws.mbay.net/sunset.html#mry_tide

                Monterey Co. Health Department Beach Hotline

                (info. on beach closures due to bacteria levels)

                                800-347-6363

                Dive Stores:

            Anacapa Dive Center

                22 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

                (805) 963-8917

                www.anacapadivecenter.com

                Deca Diving

                333 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

                (805) 564-1923

                www.decadiving.com

                Aquatics

                5822 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA, 93117

                (805) 967-4456

                www.sbaquatics.com

                Food Stores: 

Launch Ramps:

Santa Barbara Harbor

Overnight Facilities

 Sources:

Diving and Snorkeling Monterey Peninsula & Northern California, Steve Rosenberg, June, 2000

Lonely Planet Publications