Channel Islands, California, United States

Anacapa Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove (sometimes called Cathedral Rock) is on the south side of West Anacapa Island inside Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The cove is named for a tall, thin sea arch in the volcanic cliff that rises directly from the water and resembles a cathedral spire from a distance. Underwater, the site is a typical Channel Islands kelp forest from 4 metres on the inner reef to 18 metres on the outer rocks, with giant kelp canopies and a complex boulder-and-ledge bottom. The reef life reflects the protections of the surrounding Marine Reserve (no-take since 2003): garibaldi, large sheephead, kelp bass, blue and olive rockfish, lingcod, painted greenling, large California spiny lobster in season, the occasional giant black sea bass and resident California sea lions that haul out on the rocks. Visibility is typically 8 to 18 metres, best in late summer and fall. Cold water year-round; 7 mm or dry suit standard.