Oil Rigs, Long Beach, CA
The Oil Rigs is such a unique dive experience! A definite must if you’re in the Southern California area. First off these are live, working oil rigs. So don’t be surprised if some workers are watching you from above. Second, this is considered a “blue water” dive and you must be an advanced diver to go. Depths are anywhere from 400-700 feet, way past recreational limits. Rungs of the rigs are 30 feet apart so its a good visual to make sure you don’t go too deep along with watching your computer and buoyancy. The dive boat can’t anchor so they will drop you off quickly and as close to the rigs as possible then back away. At that point you descend on the outside of structure which is teaming with life. Anemones cover it, brittle sea stars are everywhere, sea lions buzz by you in fascination. The sheepshead and cabezon are large and active. And on a good viz day, like ours was, you can see the whole structure! It’s an underwater jungle gym for divers! But be careful, know your limits, have stellar buoyancy, and monitor your computer. Because its misleading to see the surface so clearly from 85 feet below. 😉 And unbelievably amazing.
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