Full Days Diving on Farnsworth Banks, travelling on the Giant Stride Boat
Tucked away in the open waters off the windward side of Catalina Island, the Farnsworth Banks stand as a true gem for seasoned divers and underwater enthusiasts. This submerged underwater mountain, with its intricate network of pinnacles, valleys, and crevices, offers a captivating and visually stunning dive experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. From the vibrant purple hydrocorals adorning the vertical walls to the diverse array of marine life that call this oasis home, the Farnsworth Banks have long been revered as one of Southern California's premier dive destinations.
Bluewater Photo is organising a day out beneath the waters on Farnsworth Banks, led by Bluewater's own Paul Fierst, who will offer onsite assistance with any photo/video-related questions you may have, during your day out of Catalina island.
Farnsworth Diving at a glance
- Location: Open-ocean, approximately 1.6 miles off Ben Weston point, Catalina Island;
- Access: Boat access only - we willbe using the Giant Stride Boat;
- Depths: 55-130+ feet;
- Visibility: Ranges anything between 55-100+ ft;
- Skill level: Advnaced diving conditions'
- Photography: Everything from both macro to wide angle - find out about the best underwater camera for your trip;
Why Join This Trip?
- A fun day out on the California waters, exploring beneath the waves around Farnsworth Banks, photographing the rich sealife and the purple Hydrocorals
Trip Overview
The Farnsworth Banks: An Underwater Wonderland
Situated approximately two miles west of Ben Weston Point on Catalina Island, the Farnsworth Banks rise from the seafloor, with the shallowest point reaching a depth of just 65 feet. This underwater mountain plateau is sculpted with valleys, sink holes, and numerous spires, creating a truly captivating and diverse underwater landscape.
Exploring the Pinnacles and Valleys
The main pinnacle of the Farnsworth Banks is shaped like a plateau, with a relatively flat top that is punctuated by a series of valleys and sink holes. Surrounding the central pinnacle are numerous spires and smaller peaks, each offering its own unique topography and marine life. Divers can explore the intricate crevices and canyons, discovering an abundance of invertebrates, such as vibrant sponges, anemones, and the iconic purple hydrocorals that thrive in the strong currents.
The Vertical Walls and Depths
As divers venture to the edge of the Farnsworth Banks, they are met with a dramatic vertical drop-off that plunges into the depths. These sheer walls are adorned with a stunning array of gorgonians, hydrocorals, and other marine life, creating a truly breathtaking underwater scene. While the clear waters often provide excellent visibility, divers must exercise caution as the depth can be deceiving, and the open ocean conditions can present challenges.
Abundant Marine Life
The Farnsworth Banks are a veritable oasis of marine biodiversity, attracting a wide array of species that thrive in the nutrient-rich waters and complex habitat.
Schooling Pelagics
One of the most captivating sights at the Farnsworth Banks is the presence of large schools of baitfish, such as mackerel, sardines, and barracuda, that can be seen swimming along the vertical walls and over the central plateau. These schooling pelagics not only create a mesmerizing visual display, but they also attract larger predatory species, including sea lions, giant black sea bass, and even the occasional yellowtail or tuna.
Invertebrate Abundance
The Farnsworth Banks are renowned for their incredible diversity of invertebrate life. The vibrant purple hydrocorals, which can grow up to 12 inches in height and 24 inches across, are the undisputed stars of the show, providing a stunning backdrop for the myriad of sponges, anemones, and gorgonians that adorn the rock walls and crevices. Additionally, divers may encounter a variety of crustaceans, such as spiny lobsters and shrimp, as well as a diverse array of nudibranchs and other small, intriguing creatures.
Resident Fish Species
In addition to the pelagic visitors, the Farnsworth Banks are home to a diverse array of resident fish species, including the ubiquitous blue-banded gobies, moray eels, and a variety of rockfish. Divers may also spot the elusive torpedo electric ray or the impressive giant black sea bass, both of which are known to frequent the area.
The Giant Stride Boat
Located in San Pedro, CA.
Giant Stride is a private 6-pack dive charter boat catering to underwater photographers, tech divers, and small groups of divers.
Features a full galley and a 3500psi compressor. It has Salon/Dining/Entertainment spaces.
