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Ball-Buster
There was a bit of a plankton bloom that day, but only within the upper 20 or 30 feet. As we followed the anchor line down and popped out of the turbid |
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Author |
: Dale Sheckler |
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Location |
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Catalina
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Date |
: October 20, 2009 |
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The school of jack mackerel was massive, the largest I'd ever seen. Kim and I dropped down into it and at about 15 feet down it parted. We headed for the direction of the kelp some 40 feet away but could not see it for the fish! We were engulfed. Every time I have dived Indian Rock and it's surrounding reefs, I have been surrounded by large schools of fish. This is a remarkable place that is not only exciting but also easy to dive.
The rock stands out from the water about the size of a small house. It gains its name from the shape on the rock that, at just the right angle, has a human Native American appearance. The rock stands in the middle of Emerald Bay toward the western end of Catalina Island. Emerald Bay is appropriately named for its sparkling blue-green appearance in the sunshine. Emerald Bay is protected in nearly all conditions and is popular mooring area for other pleasure boats. Extensive reefs stretch away from Indian Rock to the east and west. The rocks just peeking above the surface and kelp that surrounds these rocks mark the reefs to the west. If you are using your own private vessel to dive here, use extreme caution approaching this reef.
The western reefs are an excellent area for the beginner diver. For a relaxing, easy dive, try dropping down on the sand area between the main rock and the reefs to the west. The bottom is 30 to 40 feet and it is a good place to get orientated and comfortable. It also seems to be a corridor for fish travel. As well as the large schools of small fish, look for halibut and bat rays in the sand. The western reef is extensive and relatively shallow and an excellent place to leisurely snorkel. The seaward edge of the rocks ends at about 60 feet, but there is plenty to explore much shallower.
My personal favorite area of this site is the seaward side of the main rock. The reef drops away at a moderately steep pace in a stair-step fashion bottoming out to sand at 60 to 65 feet on the seaward side. The kelp is lush and healthy and the light angles are superb for wide-angle photos. Numerous garibaldi add splashes of color. Gorgonian sea fans also augment the backdrop.
This spot is no slouch for close up photos. Look in the crevice for morays, octopus and lobster (look, but do not touch as this is an invertebrate preserve). This is not a stellar nudibranch location, but you will definitely see the Spanish shawl. Others are present but you'll have to spend some time looking.
The most dazzling color for the macro photographer is provided by the multitude of the small blue-banded gobies that dot nearly every square foot of the reef. They make for great photos but with a catch: as many as there are, they are very hard to approach. Patience is the key. Another trick is to find one in or near the spines of an urchin. They feel safer in such a posture and are easier to approach.
The east reefs are less frequently visited. Kelp may or may not be present but the reefs still extensive and range in depths 40 to 70 feet. The water is not as clear here but the marine life is just as good.
If you are looking for an easy place to dive Catalina this fall, Indian Rock in Emerald Bay is made to order. If you have a seaworthy private boat this location is good for the educated skipper and there are numerous dive charter boats that frequently visit this spot.
Dive Spot At A Glance
Location: Frontside of Catalina Island toward the west end between Eagle Reef and Arrow Point.
Access: Boat only but some will dive it by kayak from shore from the Boy Scout camp.
Skill Levels: All
Depths: 0-70 feet
Visibility: Good, 30 to 40 feet
Photography: Excellent wide angle in lush kelp. Macro for small fish and lobster.
Hunting: Only fin fish may be taken. This is an invertebrate preserve. No lobster or scallops may be taken.
Snorkeling: Very good in calm clear shallow waters.
Hazards: Boat traffic. Avoid diving inshore side of rocks and reefs in the mooring area. Fly a dive flag and surface cautiously.
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