(18-02-11) Controlled by de U.S. Navy this Californian Island offers warm and clear waters to enjoy diving along its front side. Accessible only by boat we find there vertical cliffs, strong currents and a colorfully marine fauna.

    San Clemente Island is the southernmost of the Channel Islands, meaning it generally has the warmest and clearest waters of the islands. It is about 41 miles offshore, which translates to about a five-six hour boat ride on the charter boats out of the San Pedro/Long Beach area.

    Most of the boats depart the night before for a full day of diving. Charter boats from Santa Barbara to San Diego often make the trek, some offering multi-day excursions (highly recommended for the fun and full experience).

    Controlled by the U.S. Navy, San Clemente Island is occasionally closed to non-military vessels, so be aware that trips here are not always guaranteed. If that is the case, Catalina Island offers excellent alternative diving opportunities.

    For much of the front side of San Clemente Island, the steep nearly vertical cliffs ashore plummet into the sea and continue down into the depths. While this can make for exciting diving, it can be very difficult if not impossible to anchor.

    In addition, the nearly constant strong current can make diving equally problematic. There are, however, a handful of spots to tuck the boat into that not only offer good places to anchor, they give you fantastic diving as well. My personal favorite is the spot known as Fishhook.

    Fishhook gains its name from a “hook” of rock extending away from the cliff face on shore. This results in a small cove giving a boat good anchorage and diver’s protection from the strong current. But there is no shortage of excellent diving for all levels of divers.

    The most spectacular section, for the more experienced diver, is on the northwest side of the rocky extension. Head out across the shallow reef extending out from the “hook”. Here you will likely run headlong into the stiff current and upwelling. In front of you and toward the open water will be a steep wall dropping to beyond recreational diving depths.

    Water clarity here is excellent, rarely below 50 feet and frequently over 100 feet. Crevices in the rock face hold large numbers of moray eels and lobsters. Unfortunately, most of the lobsters are shorts. Like any reef awash in current, the water surrounding is abuzz with fish activity.

    Schools of blacksmith dart about picking up bits of food brought to them by the current. Walls of other schooling fish will often pass by. Look for wounded fish in the group as this often indicates that predatory fish like barracuda and yellowtail are nearby feeding on these schools.

    This is, by the way, a favored location for experienced spear fishing enthusiasts looking for yellowtail. Photographers will find an abundance of imaging opportunities. The clear waters and vertical rock faces present a lot of great set ups for wide-angle shots. Those concentrating on macro shots should not miss the moray eels and the frequent companions, the cleaner shrimps.

    Often you will find dozens accompanying the moray availing themselves of their services. Keep in mind at this site; however, you will likely be fighting the current with your camera rig.

    Fishhook actually holds two dive sites. The second is inside the protected cove and is a good location for the less experienced diver or those wanting a second shallower dive after a dive on the deep wall.

    About 100 yards back from the “hook,” to the southeast, is a small reef and kelp forest that is fun and easy to explore. Depths here are 20 to 50 feet, and the reef has some great ledges with lobster (again, most shorts), abalone, and beautiful stands of gorgonian. Surrounded by gravel and sand, and not bathing in cleansing currents, water clarity is not quite as good, averaging 30 to 50 feet.

    Wide-angle photo opportunities include good fish shots of bat rays in the sand, garibaldi over the reefs, and kelp bass against the sun streaming through the kelp canopy. Colorful macro shots include nudibranchs here and there, shrimp, and small fish like the blue-banded goby, greenlings, and juvenile sheephead.

    There are several excellent dive sites in the immediate vicinity of Fishhook. They include Window Pane (also known for its spectacularly clear water), Pyramid Head Point, and the multiple dive sites at Pyramid Cove.

Dive Spot

Location: Along the frontside of San Clemente Island close to the southeast end of the island. (GPS: N 32°49.701’, W 118° 21.514’ – GPS coordinates for reference only. Do not use as your sole source of navigation.)

Access: Boat only. Area may be closed by U.S. Navy from time to time.

Skill Level: Depends on section (see text)

Photography: Excellent both for wide-angle and macro in clear water with abundant life on the reefs.

Hazards: Strong currents and extreme depths off point.

Text: D. Sheckler / M.Montoya