Boat dive — see Entry & access.
Santa Monica Bay Center is a intermediate boat dive site in California, United States with depths of 12.8–21.9 m (42–72 ft). Typically most favorable May–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Barred sand bass, California scorpionfish (sculpin), and California halibut. Recent reports put the water around 23°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 23°C · seasonal avg 21°C
Dive windows this week
Best: SunFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 5:33 · Sunrise 6:01 · Sunset 19:59
Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 6.1 km from site · graded 2h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Forecast · NOAA tide model
Loading tide predictions
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
May, June, July, and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.
Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.
Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.
Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.
Artificial reef built from Quarry Rock
No hazards recorded for this site yet — that never means there are none. Ask a local operator before you dive.
Santa Monica Bay Center has a depth range of 12.8–21.9 metres (42–72 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.
Santa Monica Bay Center is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Open Water (Advanced Open Water recommended for the 72 ft rock piles) certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.
The best time to dive Santa Monica Bay Center is typically Per CDFW: lobster diving is productive on the shallow rock piles early in lobster season and on the deeper piles in January-February; sand bass are present year-round and best in early and late fall.. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Santa Monica Bay Center in United States commonly report sightings of Barred sand bass, California scorpionfish (sculpin), California halibut, and California spiny lobster. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
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