Difficulty
Unrated
Viz (last reported 100230h ago)
Max Depth
Unknown
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Refugio State Beach
Refugio is a very popular destination for beach-goers. With over 100 campsites (mostly reserved from early on in the vacation season), the beach can be very crowded. But once underwater you won't have to worry about those crowds! Just a short distance off shore you'll find kelp beds and reef, and, for the more adventurous, a rocky point to explore to the West.
Found 19 miles West of Santa Barbara, take the Refugio exit of Highway 101, and follow the signs to the beach.
Access
shore
View
Nearby Shops
Tide Report
5
4
3
2
1
(18)
Currently viewing a specific review. View all reviews
Kendall Roberg
May 25, 2005, 12:00 AM
scuba
This is a great dive for all levels. On the north side of the beach are a few nice kelp beds. Unfortunately, some of these kelps beds have been destroyed or reduced by sea urchins (they eat the bottom of the kelp and clear the forest; all the kelp forest animals leave, too). There is still plenty to see though! A surfer also told me the south side has a nice crevasse to dive in, but I have not yet confirmed this. A fun dive. Even saw a Thornback Ray. Also, saw a few dozen dolphins, right off shore, as I was gearing up!
Other Locations Nearby
