Scuba Diving Channel Islands National Park: A Guide to California’s Wild Side
If you're itching for your next scuba fix—something salty, rugged, and full of sea lion side-eyes—let me point you toward one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S.: The California Channel Islands.
Look—this isn’t your cushy warm-water dive trip where you roll into 85°F water in a rash guard. It’s rugged. It’s real. And it’s so full of life.
You’ll swim through kelp forests that feel like cathedrals, get face-to-face with creatures that seem too big to be real, dive sites that still feel untouched, and enough marine life to make you forget your last tropical trip.
This place? Chef’s kiss. Let me break it down for you—Ocean Dive Buddy Thao style.
The Lowdown: Where and How
Channel Islands Map by NOAA
The Channel Islands are divided into two groups—northern and southern—and each island offers its unique underwater vibe.
Northern Islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa
Southern Islands: Santa Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, and San Nicolas,
Five of the eight California Channel Islands are within the Channel Islands National Park. (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara). The waters surrounding these islands make up Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Island Cheat Sheet – Pick Your Flavor
Santa Cruz Island
Has it all—sea caves, harbor seals, giant kelp forest, and easy access from the mainland. Expect a good mix of shallow waters and dramatic rocky reef drop-offs. Great for both beginners and advanced divers.
Anacapa Island
The go-to for newer divers and lobster hunters. Spiny lobsters, stunning sea caves, and usually solid weather conditions for single-day trips.
Santa Barbara Island
A bit farther out in the southern channel islands, but worth it. You’ll get a real “lost in the Pacific” vibe here, with fewer boats, more marine life, and thick kelp forests.
San Clemente & San Nicolas
Big adventure energy. These southern islands are typically reserved for multi-day trips—more remote, deeper, and with strong currents. But if you’re after pelagics or want to say you dove where the Navy trains, this is it.
San Miguel Island
Remote and rugged. The dive sites here are often exposed to large swells and cold water temperatures, but the pristine reefs and crazy biodiversity are so worth it.
If you want to step onto land and explore the islands:
Island Packers is the only charter approved by the National Park Service (NPS) to bring visitors.
How to get to the islands for scuba diving:
These dive charters are in no particular order and the information listed below were the most up to date from June 2025. ** A dive guide is not automatically provided when you book a dive with any of these businesses. Please verify and check before booking.
1.🤿 Ventura Dive & Sport/ Raptor Dive Charters
Address:
1559 Spinnaker Dr, Suite 108 Ventura, CA 93001
1-805-650-6500
Hours:
Mon.- Thu. 11am - 5pm
Friday 11 am - 6 pm
Sat. 8 am - 5 pm
Sun. 8 am - 5 pm
Website:
Bas Prices for Ventura Dive Center
*Tax and Rental Gear are not included in the listed prices. The table was based on prices in June 2025
2.🤿 Cal Boat Diving is the booking and gear rental division for the Spectre boat. - specializes in Santa Cruz and Anacap.
Address:
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 486-1166
Hours:
Open 7 days a week 8 am - 6 pm Pacific Standard Time
Website:
Base price for Diving with Spectre Dive Boat
*Tax and Rental Gear are not included in the listed prices. The table was based on prices in June 2025.
Rental Gear can be added to the cost above if needed.
The Scuba Package $60 contains: Tank, weights, wetsuit with hood, BCD, and regulator. No fins, boots, gloves, or mask are included.
The Full Scuba Package $80 contains: all of the above plus fins, boots, gloves, and mask.
*has a hottub and hot meals prepped on board
If you book with Cal Diving/ Spectre,
Dive Guide: If you need a dive guide: https://www.diveguideschannelislands.com
$365 (1 diver, 1 day). If not diving with Spectre/Cal Diving: It's $520 (1 diver, 1 day)
3.🤿 peaceboat.com - specializes in the Northern Channel Islands, but has single and multi-day trips going to all eight Channel Islands and Cortes or Tanner Banks.
Address:
1591 Spinnaker Drive Dock E
Ventura CA 93001
(949) 247-1106
Website:
peacediveboat@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thepeaceboat
https://www.facebook.com/peacediveboat
This website was kinda confusing because they book group scuba trips with different companies. You'll have to go to their website and check their calendar and see which group is going that week and book the dive trip with that scheduled group's website.
There was an option with one group to do a 3 day liveaboard for the Channel Islands. (https://www.wetravel.com/trips/channel-islands-july-2025-dolphin-scuba-center-32481928?source=widget_trips)
*has a hot tub on board
What the Water’s Like (AKA: Do I Need a Dry Suit?)
Short answer? Probably, yes, but if you're wearing a thick 7mm wetsuit, hood, and gloves, you’ll be okay.
The average water temperature in these parts ranges from 50°F to 70°F, depending on the season. In summer and early fall, you’ll hit that sweet spot where visibility improves and the plankton blooms fade, giving you better views of the epic kelp beds. The best time to dive here is late summer through early fall, when the weather's stable, the kelp is lush, and the giant black sea bass are out and about.
For the northern islands, such as Santa Rosa Island or San Miguel Island, the water can become quite brisk. A dry suit is your best friend, but if you're in a 7mm wetsuit, you'll be okay. Prep for a chill between dives with a hoodie, the hot tub on board, or a warm drink. (Good thing about that hot tub on board, yeah?)
Personal experience: I am the type of diver who doesn't like to travel with scuba gear. I rented a 7mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves. I was cold, but taking off the wetsuit and booties between dives really helped warm me up. Bring a towel, a hoodie, and a windproof jacket if you plan to dive in May like I did.
Dive Tips from Your Ocean Buddy
Here’s some gear and advice you’ll want before you giant stride in:
Dry suit or a 7mm + hood + gloves combo (seriously) or dry suit
Reef safe sunscreen, sun glasses, hat for shade, beanie for warmth
Towel, Hoodie, and/or windproof jacket for the possibility of windy conditions
Safety Mark Bouy
Dive Computer
A reef hook for drift conditions
Bring extra snacks—even with a full galley, you’ll want something quick between dives.
Seasickness meds. Some crossings can get gnarly. Even if you don't usually get sick, it's better to have and not need it than the opposite.
Respect the marine parks and national marine sanctuaries—these are protected zones, and that’s why they’re so full of life.
Be ready to adapt. Weather conditions can shift fast, especially around the western ends of islands or at low tide.
A dive guide is not automatically provided when you book a dive with any of these businesses. Please verify and check before booking.
Typically, the divemaster stays on the boat for surface assistance. You will receive a comprehensive briefing on the location and typical dive profile. If you are a solo traveler, they pair you up with a buddy before leaving the harbor.
If you need a dive guide: https://www.diveguideschannelislands.com
If you book with Cal Diving/ Spectre,
Dive Guide is: $365 USD (1 diver, 1 day)
If you did not book with Cal Diving, it's $520 USD
Marine Life That’ll Blow Your Fins Off
Illustration by Roger Hall of the biodiversity you can encounter at Channel islands National Marine Sanctuary
The sanctuary’s remote, isolated position at the confluence of two major ocean currents creates remarkable biodiversity. The mingling of cool, nutrient-rich waters from the north with warm currents from the south forms a dynamic transition zone that is home to a myriad of sea life from microscopic plankton to blue whales.
Sea Lions
Spinner Dolphins
Big Black Seabass
California Sheephead (https://scuba.spanglers.com/image/2018-08-11c-a13657?location=channel-islands&album=best-of-channel-islands)
CRAB?
Humpback Whales
Garabaldi
Spanish shawl nudibranchs strutting around like drag queens of the sea. (https://scuba.spanglers.com/image/2018-08-13c-a14277?location=channel-islands&album=best-of-channel-islands)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary’s List of seasonal sightings
A sheephead swims through a kelp forest near Santa Cruz Island. Photo: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA
Below are links to different galleries with pictures of the animals listed above.
https://spectreboat.com/gallery/
https://scuba.spanglers.com/marine-life/channel-islands/crabs
https://scuba.spanglers.com/album/best-of-channel-islands?location=channel-islands
Wrap-Up: Why This Dive Hits Different
Diving the Channel Islands National Park is the kind of trip that reminds you why you fell in love with the ocean in the first place. It’s not always warm, it’s not always easy—but damn, is it worth it. From giant kelp forests swaying like underwater jungles to surprise visits from sea lions and harbor seals, this is the raw, untamed side of Southern California diving that too many people skip.
Whether you're hitting Santa Cruz Island for a quick weekend or planning a full multi-day trip to the southern islands, there's something unforgettable waiting for you out there. Real adventure. Real marine life. Real ocean soul.
So if you’re craving a little wild, salty magic without flying halfway around the world, this is it. The southern California coast is calling—and it’s got lush kelp, spiny lobsters, and a hot tub on the Spectre with your name on it.
Pack smart, dive safe, and don’t forget to log your salty adventure.
See you below the surface,
Your Ocean Dive Buddy 🐚
Want More Info?
Channel Islands Live Adventures YouTube Video
https://youtu.be/fduuCS3xToE?si=h6D-qhKG0KhdKiKs
Diving Anacapa - Channel Islands
https://youtu.be/tEYqF0zDGeU?si=EwU7lzUk9QToadht
If you're into videos, the National Park Service has a great film about it.
https://www.nps.gov/media/video/embed.htm?id=FFFC1B18-F686-F8E0-CAAF5A93BAB98E12
