© Mares

Explore Channel Islands

Diving in the Channel Islands, often dubbed the Galapagos of North America, offers a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience. Located within America's National Park system, these islands provide a glimpse into a world untouched by time. With towering kelp forests reaching up to 37 meters/120 feet, divers are immersed in a captivating underwater landscape. The islands are renowned for their rich biodiversity, hosting marine life found nowhere else on Earth. From playful sea lions to vibrant Garibaldi fish, each dive reveals something extraordinary.

The Channel Islands offer a variety of dive environments, including colorful reefs, dramatic walls, and even historic wrecks. The most popular islands for diving include Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara, each accessible primarily by liveaboard boats. Seasonal currents bring nutrient-rich waters, attracting diverse species, including occasional visits from large pelagic fish. Whether you're a shore diver or prefer the comfort of a liveaboard, the Channel Islands promise unforgettable adventures beneath the waves.

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Diving in Channel Islands

The Channel Islands, located off the coast of Southern California, offer diverse diving experiences. Santa Cruz Island is famous for its vibrant kelp forests and dramatic underwater topography, attracting divers to its numerous shore dive spots. One notable wreck dive is the "Spirit of America," a shipwreck teeming with marine life, providing an intriguing exploration opportunity for advanced divers. Night dives in the Channel Islands reveal unique marine life behavior, such as bioluminescent displays and the nocturnal activities of sea creatures. Divers can choose between shore dives that offer easy access and liveaboard options for exploring more remote sites. This balance caters to both casual divers and those seeking extended underwater adventures.

Dive Centers

Diving Catalina

Diving Catalina

217 Calle del Sol, 90704 Avalon, CA - United States
Catalina Scuba

Catalina Scuba

1 Casino Way, 90704 Avalon, CA - United States

Dive Sites

SSI USA West Coast Training Center - no certs -, 33487 Boca Raton
Casino Point Dive Park <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Casino Point Dive Park (★4.5)

Casino Point Dive Park, also known as the Avalon Underwater Dive Park, is the most popular dive site on Catalina Island and one of the most popular dive sites in all of Southern California. Catalina Island is only accessible via private boat or ferry from the mainland so check ferry schedules.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
San Clemente Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

San Clemente Island (★4.5)

San Clemente Island is Southern California’s best-kept secret. Most divers opt for the more popular Catalina Island or go south to the Coronados, but San Clemente is a great place to go on a short liveaboard trip from San Diego.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Catalina Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Catalina Island (★4.5)

With over 70 named dive sites, Catalina Island has it all and is one of the most popular diving destinations in the state of California. On Catalina Island, you can dive from shore or boat over beautiful reefs or majestic kelp beds all teeming with wildlife.
Scubapro
Pirates Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Pirates Cove (★4.5)

This is a steep, rocky beach with stairs to walk down to the water. The rocks have moss and can be slippery. The kelp forrest is amazing but thick, so swim through the kelp bed with caution.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Hen Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Hen Rock (★4.2)

A great dive site accessible by boat for all skill levels. Reef and sand bottom with depths vary from 15 to 85 feet on the outer pinnacles. Fun swim-throughs, schools of fish, mini-walls, and overhangs.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Rock Quarry <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Rock Quarry (★4.3)

Just off the shore at an old quarry site where the materials to build Long Beach Harbor were mined. This location can have strong currents, but offers both shallow and deep water exploration. This location is reachable by boat only.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Isthmus Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Isthmus Reef (★4.3)

Isthmus Reef is a popular dive site on Catalina Island reachable only by boat. It’s a great site for open water students and newer divers due to its sheltered location and shallow depth.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Bird Rock - Catalina Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Bird Rock - Catalina Island (★4.3)

One of the best dive sites on Catalina Island, Bird Rock varies from shallow rocks to steep drop-offs and a beautiful arch. The shallow rocky area is great for snorkeling and the entire site is great for new to advanced divers. The water is nearly always clear, calm and generally without current.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Lulu Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Lulu Reef (★4.3)

Not to be confused with its close, more popular neighbor Eagle Reef, Lulu Reef is a series of three rock pinnacles inside Eagle Reef on the mainland of Catalina Island’s west end. Since it is a bit off shore it’s best reached by boat.
Aqualung
Eagle Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Eagle Reef (★4.1)

Eagle Reef is a large rocky structure teaming with life. This is an awesome kelp dive; Catalina Island at it’s finest. This site is only reachable by boat, either private or dive charter. Plan to dive in the morning before winds have a chance to kick up and watch for possible strong currents.
Mares
Sutil Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Sutil Island (★4.2)

About 700 yards off Santa Barbara Island, Sutil Island is more of a rock than an actual island, rising 300 feet above the water’s surface. Its sides are pocketed with caves above and below water.
Mares
Indian Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Indian Rock (★4.1)

Considered the jewel of Emerald Bay, Indian Rock is full of amazing rocky outcroppings and kelp beds in the heart of Catalina Island. It’s a popular mooring spot for pleasure boats so be aware of boat traffic in this area. It’s best dived via boat charter as it’s a bit too far to swim from shore.
Aqualung
Doctors Cove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Doctors Cove (★4.5)

Mainland side of Catalina Island just northwest of Emerald Bay. Your access is by boat only unless you have access to Boy Scout Camp onshore in which case you can dive it from shore or kayak. You will be looking at depths of 20 to 55 feet with an average visibility of 30 to 50 feet.
Mares
Camp Emerald Bay <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Camp Emerald Bay (★4.2)

Camp Emerald Bay is home to a long time Boy Scouts of America camp and one of the most popular dive sites on Catalina Island. This is an easy entry dive site from the beach with a gently sloping bottom and beautiful kelp forest right offshore.
Aqualung
Parson’s Landing <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

Parson’s Landing (★4.1)

Parson’s Landing is a beautiful secluded cove on Catalina Island that’s just as scenic above water as it is underwater with great diving and snorkeling right from the shore! You can even camp here right on the beach. The cove is usually nice and calm as it is protected from most weather.

The best Months to dive in Channel Islands

The Channel Islands offer diverse diving conditions year-round, though each season presents unique characteristics. Water temperatures range from 13°C–20°C/55°F–68°F, with cooler temperatures in winter and warmer conditions in late summer and early fall. Visibility typically averages between 9–30 meters/30–100 feet, depending on location and time of year, with the clearest waters often found in the fall months.

Diving is possible throughout the year, but divers should be aware of seasonal weather patterns. Winter and spring bring stronger winds and potential for rougher seas, which can affect diving conditions. Summer and early fall generally offer calmer waters and more predictable conditions, making these seasons particularly favorable for diving. However, the Channel Islands' nutrient-rich waters can lead to varying visibility at any time, so divers should plan accordingly for the best experience.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Channel Islands

The Channel Islands, located off the coast of Southern California, host a diverse array of marine life due to their unique position at the confluence of warm and cold water currents. Divers can expect to see a variety of common reef fish such as garibaldi, California sheephead, and kelp bass throughout the year. These species are abundant around the rocky reef habitats and kelp forests that flourish in the area. Seasonal visitors enhance the underwater experience, with sightings of leopard sharks often occurring during the warmer months. Additionally, green sea turtles and bat rays can be spotted, primarily in the late summer and early fall. During this time, the waters are warmer, increasing your chances of encountering these spectacular creatures. The diversity of marine life around the Channel Islands offers divers a consistently rewarding experience, with opportunities to witness both common and extraordinary species depending on the season.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Sea Lion

Sea Lion
523 Sightings
J
29
F
39
M
33
A
30
M
50
J
75
J
93
A
57
S
43
O
22
N
17
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
480 Sightings
J
9
F
21
M
29
A
22
M
28
J
48
J
73
A
66
S
58
O
63
N
38
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
241 Sightings
J
14
F
3
M
12
A
13
M
9
J
30
J
46
A
63
S
22
O
16
N
9
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
199 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
20
A
12
M
21
J
11
J
23
A
10
S
42
O
28
N
24
D
3
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
3k Sightings
J
71
F
125
M
142
A
203
M
240
J
383
J
423
A
458
S
390
O
337
N
166
D
91

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
845 Sightings
J
20
F
24
M
44
A
43
M
51
J
99
J
104
A
116
S
107
O
182
N
51
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
797 Sightings
J
16
F
15
M
62
A
24
M
59
J
80
J
120
A
104
S
142
O
124
N
33
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
665 Sightings
J
11
F
16
M
17
A
58
M
75
J
69
J
110
A
124
S
86
O
72
N
24
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
308 Sightings
J
5
F
7
M
8
A
24
M
75
J
66
J
73
A
16
S
17
O
7
N
0
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
151 Sightings
J
3
F
6
M
7
A
19
M
5
J
33
J
12
A
24
S
9
O
18
N
1
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
103 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
14
A
4
M
29
J
13
J
5
A
19
S
2
O
2
N
3
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

Alamy-Alex Mustard
Seal

Seal
94 Sightings
J
14
F
5
M
0
A
4
M
1
J
6
J
16
A
20
S
5
O
12
N
2
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
90 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
9
A
5
M
10
J
6
J
25
A
8
S
3
O
5
N
4
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
86 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
9
A
8
M
3
J
15
J
3
A
14
S
16
O
4
N
1
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
82 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
6
A
9
M
16
J
14
J
3
A
3
S
8
O
8
N
1
D
9