Underwater Photo Gear
Sea Lions soaring in kelp forest

California

California has one of the most diverse marine environments on planet Earth. The Giant Perennial Kelp forests are an underwater "rain forest." The vast variety of marine life is truly amazing.

(Click the pics below to see a large image, use your browser's back button to return.)
California Sea Hare
Santa Cruz Island
California Sea Hare

Anacapa Island reef
Anacapa Island reef

Water temps range from 50F to 70F, depending on the island and time of year. Surge and currents and surface chop are common obstacles. California diving can be challenging, but the abundance of amazing subjects makes it worth the effort. These images were made with a Nikon DSLR and dual Sea&Sea strobes.


5ft Black Sea Bass
Catalina Island
Giant Black Sea Bass

Flabellina trilinata on kelp
San Miguel Island
Flabellina trilinata on kelp

Island Kelpfish
Santa Cruz Island
Island Kelpfish

California Sea Lions
Santa Barbara Island
California Sea Lions
Sardines in sunbeams
Catalina Island
Sardines in sunbeams

Large Jelly
Santa Cruz Island
Large Jelly

Red Octo in Brittlestars
Santa Cruz Island
Red Octopus among Brittle Stars

Juvenile Sea Lions
Santa Barbara Island
Juvenile Sea Lions

Having a camera with a fast trigger makes getting the shot easier. (A drysuit helps, too!)


Dendronotus albus
San Miguel Island
Dendronotus albus

Two Spotted Octopus
Catalina Island
Two Spotted Octopus



Click here for more images from the CA Channel Islands
Copyright © 2009 underwaterphotogear.com. All rights reserved.