Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach

California Mid, USA West
map
Entry Map
directions
Directions
photos
Photos
Difficulty
Unrated
Viz (last reported 100273h 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
entry map
View
Nearby Shops
Tide Report
5
4
3
2
1
4.5
(18)
Currently viewing a specific review. View all reviews
Free Diver MVD
Free Diver MVD
Jul 29, 2010, 12:00 AM
scuba
Great beach all around. I have been camping there for 26 years every summer for a week. I have seen the vis at 1ft all the way to 50+ over the years. There are some nice dive spots north and south of Refugio. If you have the availability of a small boat, great beach launch spot there and are never any big waves. I take a hard bottom inflatable with a 25 hp. Head north most of the time. There are two large kelp beds with about 75 yards between the two. Also you can pull off the freeway and walk down to beach. There's a big tree on the beach for shade. Use Google earth and see for yourself.
Other Locations Nearby