One Reason Why You Want Advanced Skills
There are several off-shore oil rigs we can dive in Southern California. It is only for divers with advanced cold water diving skills. You must have excellent buoyancy control and the skills to handle the unexpected conditions to enjoy this surreal beauty. The rigs are hundreds of feet deep, there is usually strong surge, and current can change suddenly. When we dive the oil rigs, we remind ourselves to take extra caution as we jump in. Then, we descend down to marvel at the underwater structure that is completely covered with sea anemones, scallops, mussels, brittle stars, etc. and see large schools of fish and sea lions swim around us.
I Found Nemo's House
Komodo, in the famed Coral Triangle, is one of my favorite dive destinations. The diversity and abundance of marine life in this region are simply amazing. I waited by this purple anemone (Heteractis magnifica) for the resident clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) to come out. Watching these guys swim in, out, and around the sea anemone never gets old.
You Don't See Me... Do You?
I saw this trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculates) “hiding” under a palm frond. The shape of the fish is so similar to the stem of the palm frond. The fish can simply hang out underneath the palm and avoid being noticed.
Staghorn Coral
Staghorn coral (Acropora sp.) is considered to be a fast growing coral species. Of course fast for coral is 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) per year… Scientists estimate there are nearly 400 species of staghorn coral, and only scientists can tell them apart.
Off Limits Except for Two Months
Pelican Reserve - we can only dive in this area of Anacapa Island, California during November and December. I look forward to diving here every year. The visibility is usually very good and the kelp forest looks very healthy. It is one of the prettiest dive sites at Anacapa Island.
