Farnsworth Banks

Farnsworth Banks is one of Southern California's most legendary dive sites — a submerged seamount off the western end of Catalina Island that rises from deep water to within about 60 feet of the surface and is celebrated worldwide for its dense forests of black coral and the extraordinary clarity of its surrounding waters. The bank sits several miles offshore in the open Santa Catalina Channel, accessible exclusively by boat, and the dive requires careful planning around conditions since the exposed position means surface conditions can deteriorate quickly. On calm days, however, Farnsworth presents one of the most compelling dive experiences available anywhere on the Pacific Coast. The defining feature of Farnsworth Banks is its black coral. In Southern California's generally cold, kelp-dominated diving environment, extensive black coral growth is unusual — black coral typically requires deeper water and warmer conditions than much of the California coast offers. The elevated seamount at Farnsworth creates an upwelling environment that supports exceptional coral growth in the 60-to-130-foot depth range, and the resulting underwater landscape is genuinely extraordinary: branching black coral trees of impressive size and density covering the rocky pinnacles, their dark surfaces hosting small invertebrates and providing shelter for deepwater fish species. The water clarity at Farnsworth is famously superior to many other California sites — visibility of 60 to 100 feet is common, occasionally exceeding that — and the blue water surrounding the isolated seamount contributes to an oceanic feel quite different from mainland shore diving. Sheephead, large rockfish, and calico bass work through the coral forest. Schooling jacks occasionally sweep through in formation. The site is remote enough that pelagic visitors — sharks, large rays — are more common here than at nearshore sites. Farnsworth Banks represents the pinnacle of Channel Islands diving for experienced California divers willing to make the boat journey.