Half of the reserve is all you see unless you're a diver and visit the underwater world just offshore. This is one of the richest marine habitats in California. Its animals and plants are fully protected by state law from any disturbance.

Divers explore a realm of beauty that until the 20th century was inaccessible except to a handful of pioneers. In the subdued light of the 70 foot-high kelp forests, animals without backbones and plants without roots create a world of vibrant color. Lingcod, cabezone and rockfish swim in and out of view. The unexpected appearance of a seal, a sea otter, or whale quickens the heart.

Our thanks to Alberto Nava, Clinton Bauder, Alan Studley, Jim Patterson, Marc Shargel, Mike Jimenez, and Steve Lonhart for their generous contribution of images to illustrate the SCUBA section of the web site.