California’s oil rigs aren’t your typical dive spots—they’re bold, towering structures in open water, alive with marine life and bursting with color. Just eight miles off Long Beach, the rigs Eureka, Ellen, and Elly have transformed into incredible artificial reefs, their steel legs encrusted with coral, anemones, and scallops. This industrial labyrinth draws a huge range of sea life, from playful sea lions near the surface to giant sea bass and yellowtail lurking in the shadows.

What Makes Oil Rig Diving So Unique

Oil rig dives combine the freedom of reef diving with the thrill of exploring wreck-like structures. Without confined spaces, the rigs offer dramatic vertical columns that create an otherworldly effect as sunlight pierces through the beams, lighting up fish schools and colorful invertebrates. With depths up to 700 feet, divers can choose their level (within their recreational limits of course), enjoying an ecosystem that changes from the surface to the depths.

Who You'll Meet Underwater

The rigs teem with life: invertebrates like barnacles and nudibranchs, vast schools of sardines, mackerel, and blacksmith, and larger fish like calico bass and even mola mola in the cooler months. Sea lions dart around, sometimes coming close for a curious look, while larger creatures like sharks and ocean sunfish make occasional appearances.

Dive Conditions and Challenges

Oil rig dives are for advanced divers. Open ocean currents can be strong, and entry and exit require good buoyancy control and comfort in deep water. Currents may shift suddenly, and without a visible bottom, a sense of vertigo can set in for those unaccustomed to open water. A streamlined gear setup, a dive light for shaded areas, and a surface marker buoy are essential for a safe dive.

Respecting the Oil Rig Ecosystem

Oil rigs act as vibrant habitats, providing essential space for California’s marine life. Dive responsibly, avoiding contact with marine life and structures. Some rigs may eventually be decommissioned, so enjoy this rare opportunity while it’s here!

Connect with the Dive Community

Interested in diving California’s oil rigs? Join our Dive Club Night at Eco Dive Center on the first Tuesday of each month! It’s the perfect place to swap stories, connect with fellow divers, and learn more about planning your next oil rig adventure.

For those ready for an unforgettable experience, California’s oil rigs offer one of the most thrilling and unique dives around. Grab your gear and book a trip—you won’t want to miss it!