Exploring the Underwater Wonders of California’s Oil Rigs

When you think of scuba diving, oil rigs might not be the first dive sites that come to mind. However, the oil rigs off Southern California’s coast offer an unusual and thrilling diving experience, rich in marine life and dramatic underwater architecture. Unlike traditional reefs or kelp forests, these towering man-made structures serve as artificial reefs, supporting diverse ecosystems. If you’re an advanced diver looking for a unique challenge, oil rig diving should be on your bucket list.

What to Expect: The Oil Rigs as Artificial Reefs

The oil rigs in Southern California, particularly Eureka, Ellen, and Elly, located about eight miles off the coast of Long Beach, have become incredible artificial reefs. Beneath the surface, the steel supports are encrusted with marine growth, creating a colorful, vibrant ecosystem. Anemones, scallops, mussels, and soft corals cover the structure, attracting a wide variety of marine species. Schools of baitfish, sheepshead, and large predatory fish such as yellowtail and even giant sea bass can be found darting around the rigs.

These towering structures provide multiple levels of habitat, making every depth an exciting opportunity for exploration. Closer to the surface, you’ll often find playful sea lions zipping around, while at mid-levels, garibaldi, calico bass, and perch weave through the steel beams. Deeper down, larger fish, rays, and even occasional sharks take advantage of the shadows and complex structure.

Why Oil Rig Diving is So Unique

Oil rig diving blends elements of reef diving and wreck diving, yet it stands apart in its own right. Unlike wreck diving, these open structures allow for an unconfined diving experience, while still offering a sense of exploration. The vertical columns of the rigs create a striking visual effect, especially when beams of sunlight filter through the gaps, illuminating the marine life below.

One of the most remarkable aspects of oil rig diving is the depth flexibility. While the rigs extend down over 700 feet, divers typically stay within recreational diving limits, allowing for deep and shallow explorations without the restrictions of a seafloor.

Marine Life Encounters

The oil rigs are hotspots for biodiversity, thanks to their open-water location and nutrient-rich currents. Divers can expect to encounter:

• Invertebrates: The rig legs are covered in sea anemones, barnacles, sea stars, and vibrant nudibranchs.

• Schooling Fish: Massive schools of sardines, mackerel, and blacksmith often swirl in mesmerizing formations around the structure.

• Large Predators: Yellowtail, calico bass, lingcod, and giant sea bass are frequently spotted hunting around the rigs.

• Sea Lions: These playful pinnipeds often interact with divers, darting through the beams and putting on an underwater show.

• Pelagic Visitors: The open-ocean environment occasionally brings in sharks, mola mola (ocean sunfish), and even pods of dolphins.

Diving Conditions and Challenges

While oil rig diving is an unforgettable experience, it is best suited for advanced divers due to the unique challenges involved:

• Deep Water & Strong Currents: The rigs are located in open water, where currents can be strong and unpredictable. Divers should be comfortable adjusting their dive plans based on conditions.

• Open Ocean Entry & Exit: Without a solid platform for stabilization, divers must execute a giant stride entry from the boat and maintain buoyancy immediately. Exiting requires climbing a ladder back onto the boat, which can be challenging in rough conditions.

• No Bottom Reference: Unlike reef or wreck diving, oil rig dives have no visible bottom. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid uncontrolled descents.

Recommended Gear for Rig Diving

Proper equipment is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable oil rig dive:

• Exposure Protection: The waters off Southern California can be chilly, especially at depth. A 7mm wetsuit or a drysuit is recommended for comfort. Brands like Bare and Scubapro offer excellent options.

• Streamlined Setup: To avoid entanglement, use a streamlined gear configuration. Atomic and Scubapro regulators and BCDs help keep equipment compact and efficient.

• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): A must-have for open-water dives, an SMB ensures the boat can track your location, especially in strong currents.

• Dive Light: A good dive light enhances visibility in shaded areas, revealing hidden marine life among the rig structure.

Environmental Conservation and Responsibility

Oil rig diving is a privilege, and divers should take care to respect these artificial reefs. The rigs provide essential habitats for a diverse array of marine life, making them critical ecosystems in Southern California’s waters. Avoid touching the structure or disturbing marine life, and always follow responsible diving practices.

Join the Dive Club Community at Eco Dive Center

If you’re interested in diving the oil rigs or connecting with others who have experienced this incredible dive, join us for our monthly Dive Club Night at Eco Dive Center. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, this event is a fantastic opportunity to hear from experienced speakers, meet fellow divers, and plan your next adventure!

Planning Your Oil Rig Dive

Diving the oil rigs in Southern California is an unparalleled experience, combining the thrill of open-water exploration with breathtaking marine encounters. Whether you’re drifting through schools of fish, playing with curious sea lions, or marveling at the industrial beauty of the structure, every dive is unique.

If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge, book your trip now! Oil rig diving is in high demand, and spaces fill up quickly—don’t miss your chance to experience one of California’s most unique dive sites!

Next Oil Rigs trip is March 8th! Book here