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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Refugio State Beach
Refugio is a very popular destination for beach-goers. With over 100 campsites (mostly reserved from early on in the vacation season), the beach can be very crowded. But once underwater you won't have to worry about those crowds! Just a short distance off shore you'll find kelp beds and reef, and, for the more adventurous, a rocky point to explore to the West.
Found 19 miles West of Santa Barbara, take the Refugio exit of Highway 101, and follow the signs to the beach.
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TJ
Sep 9, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
Refugio Beach is an excellent place to dive overall. The top-side facilities far out weigh just about any place I've been too! No the diving is not always the best for photographers or advance divers seeking a thrill, but Refugio always provides a safe environment with good diving and marine life. Just be sure to get there when they open "8:00 a.m." during the summer to avoid the crowds and get good parking. This is a very easy entry, surface swim straight out from the beach "approx" 75 yards and drop down. A few lobster have been known to frequent here as well as bat rays and even 2 sea lions on one occasion. This is also an excellent place to take family, friends along and BBQ.
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