The Channel Islands—often called the “Galápagos of North America”—offer some of Southern California’s most stunning scuba diving. Nestled off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara, these isles are part of Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary , together introducing over 1,470 sq mi of protected ocean habitat.
Your Gateway to Channel Islands Diving
Marine Protected Areas You’ll Dive In
Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve and Conservation Area : The north side of the islets is a fully protected marine reserve where removal of living creatures is prohibited—including the wrecks of the WWII Avenger plane and the paddle-steamer Winfield Scott
Surrounding waters are part of NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary , extending several nautical miles offshore and protecting deep-sea coral, kelp forests, historic shipwrecks, and marine species. It overlaps with the National Park waters near the islands
What You’ll See Underwater
Powered by the meeting of the cold California Current and warmer Davidson Countercurrent, the waters here support extraordinary biodiversity.
- Kelp forests reaching up to 120 ft tall.
Fish life including kelp bass, sheephead, bat rays, lingcod, halibut, rockfish, plus schooling sardines and anchovies. Look out for the California state fish- the bright orange Garibaldi! If you're diving during summer months, you might even be lucky enough to see a giant sea bass!
Invertebrates such as sea urchin, sea cucumbers, sponges, nudibranchs, sea stars and lobster are abundant on reefs.
- California sea lions and harbor seals that actively play near divers, especially at sites like Gull Island or Anacapa’s Rookery. They will get right in your face, so make sure to stay calm and hang on to your regulator!
Top Dive Sites by Island
Anacapa Island
Popular shallow dives: Landing Cove, Underwater Arch, Aquarium, and Rat Rock. These sites lie in protected kelp forest and reef between 25–60 ft, often with visibility from 20 ft up 100 ft.
Advanced sites on the west side and offshore pinnacles offer depths up to 120 ft, stronger currents, and encounters with giant black sea bass.
Santa Cruz Island
Gull Island , just offshore, is a renowned marine reserve with rocky reefs filled with kelp bass, sheephead, purple hydrocoral, lobsters, sea lions, and vibrant seastars. Depths range from ~20–110 ft with 20–80 ft visibility.
Other notable dives include Yellow Banks, Diablo Anchorage (sea cave diving), West End Pinnacles, and Flame Reef.
Exploring the Other Channel Islands
While Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the most accessible, adventurous divers shouldn’t overlook the more remote islands in the chain: Santa Rosa , San Miguel , and Santa Barbara Island . These islands offer wilder terrain, fewer crowds, and often more dramatic diving—including towering underwater pinnacles, massive schools of fish, and untouched kelp forests. San Miguel, in particular, is known for encounters with large marine mammals and colder, nutrient-rich waters that support deep biodiversity. These trips typically require more advanced dive planning and are best accessed through multi-day liveaboards or special trips. Weather can be a limiting factor, so flexibility and experience are key. For those ready to venture farther, these outer islands deliver some of California’s most raw and rewarding underwater experiences.
Visiting Conditions & When to Go
While you can dive the islands year round, the best diving runs from late summer into late winter (June – January). Water temps range from about 60° to 70°F in summer and dip to the 50s°F in cooler months—requiring a 7 mm wetsuit (or drysuit) with hood, boots and gloves for comfort.
Typical visibility averages 40 ft, but exceptional days push beyond 100 ft.
Fall offers calm waters and less wind, making diving conditions ideal.
Spotlight: The Spectre Dive Boat (Ventura Harbor)
Ventura’s Spectre is widely regarded as the premier single‑day dive boat serving Anacapa and eastern Santa Cruz. At 85 ft long—one of SoCal’s largest and fastest dive boats—Spectre offers three dives per trip, air fills, hot breakfast, grilled lunch, and snacks/drinks included.
The crew includes veteran captains who have operated with precision and diver comfort since the mid‑’80s, along with helpful and knowledgeable deckhands. The Spectre is the only dive-only boat in the area with onboard gear rental and amenities like a sun deck and showers. Plus, you can end the day perfectly with an ice cream sundae and a dip in the hot tub!
Join Santa Barbara Aquatics' Spectre Dive Day for an unforgettable underwater adventure! Dive with experienced professionals who prioritize safety, fun, and marine conservation. Rent gear at a discounted price , enjoy great company, and explore the vibrant kelp forests and marine life of the Channel Islands—all in a single day. Whether you're a local diver with plenty of dives under your belt or just starting to explore the Channel Islands, this is the perfect way to dive with the pros.
Whether you're a beginner diver or seasoned underwater explorer, Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands offer a breathtaking dive experience in one of the most biodiverse and protected coastal ecosystems in California. With the Spectre Dive Boat’s full‑service day trips, it's never been easier to enter this magnificent underwater wilderness.