California Diver: Diving the Oil Rigs

Divers in California are truly blessed. We have amazing structures to explore, including rocky reefs, kelp forests, wrecks, and, one of the most exciting structures, oil rigs. While not all of the oil rigs off the coast of southern California are open to recreational divers, there are a few active rigs that, with permission from the rig operators, are accessible. Diving the oil rigs is a special experience. Sitting in water ranging from 300 feet to more than 700 feet deep and often accompanied by currents, surge, and less-than-ideal visibility, these dives are reserved for experienced divers only. Dealing with those sometimes-challenging conditions is often rewarded with amazing sightings, interactions and experiences.

The water off the coast of southern California is often emerald green in color, with visibility topping out at 40 feet. However, on rare occasions, the water is as blue as the Caribbean, with visibility to match. Looking up through the rig’s structure from 130 fsw (or deeper) is incredible. Regardless of the visibility, you will always be welcomed by the resident critters, including sea lions, sea jellies of all kinds, cabezon, and huge Metridium anemones.

For your next trip to southern California, be sure to add the oil rigs to your diving itinerary. It’s an experience you’ll be sure to enjoy and one you’ll remember forever.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Michael Zeigler has lived in southern California since 1996, and has been scuba diving since 2004. Although he has been diving in many places around the world, he prefers capturing the beauty of the diverse marine life that inhabits the rich kelp forests of southern California. A proud member of the Ocean Artists Society, Michael also teaches underwater photography, leads underwater photo workshops, and is an AAUS Scientific Diver. He shoots with a Nikon D7000, Sea & Sea housing, and Ikelite DS-160 strobes. To see more of his work, visit www.SeaInFocus.com.