It is a geographical certainty that when two dissimilar environments occur in the same bit of ocean they must meet at some point.  That is exactly what happens in the brilliant waters of the Northern Channel Islands.

This island chain off the coast of Southern California includes from east to west Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.  Here the warmer currents from the south meet the colder, nutrient rich waters from the north.  The resulting mix supports kelp forests, marine mammals, and endless varieties of fish and plants.

Divers who explore the waters of the world return to these islands for their extreme diversity and the certainty that no two dives will be quite the same.  With visibility averaging forty feet and often much greater, hundreds of miles of shoreline, and large well equipped boats offering dives all year, a channel Islands trip should be on every divers schedule.

In the Water: Entry is a giant stride from the boat deck.  Exit is from large stern mounted swim-steps. Most dives are next to the island in depths from a few feet to about 60 feet.  It is possible to do deeper dives but not required.  The boats stay anchored during the dive using both a bow anchor in front and a stern anchor behind.  Each dive lasts about an hour or less depending on the divers air consumption.  There are typically three or four dives per day.

What there is to see: The bottom is rocky reef and sand.  Some spots offer kelp forests, walls, and pinnacles.  Hundreds of plants and small animals share the reefs with many varieties of fish including kelp bass, sheephead and garibaldi.  It is not unusual to spot sea lions, seals, lobster, bat rays, horn sharks, moray eels, and occasionally giant black sea bass as well as blacksmith perch, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and other small schooling fish.  The more you look the more you see!

Conditions: It is almost impossible not to ask how things will be for the day we choose to dive, even when we know how uncertain predictions are.  Dive trips run all year so here are some very general guidelines. Water temperature is coldest from February to May varying between 52 and 58 degrees.  From June to September it will range from 60 to as high as 70 then slowly begin to drop.  October through January finds the water in the low sixties to high fifties.  These temperatures are for Anacapa. Typically San Miguel is five degrees cooler.  Air temperature runs 60 to 75 in the summer and fall and in the fifties in the winter and spring. Visibility rarely goes below 10 feet and can be as high as 100 feet.  The average is 40 feet and on most days the bottom is visible from the boat.

Weather: (See our weather page) Weather is so localized and changes so much it is impossible to give an accurate overview.  The islands offer protection so even on windy days there is usually a calm spot. Check just before the trip, remember that TV weather is not telling much about the real conditions at the islands, and that in California the word "storm" can mean light drizzle with 10 knot winds. Also keep in mind that it can be windy the day before the trip and be flat calm the next morning.

Divemasters: Divemasters do not take divers on tours. They give briefings, answer questions, and are ready to offer assistance. Cal Boat Diving can arrange for divemaster guides but as a rule divers are comfortable on their own.

Snorkeling: Most of the dive sites are also great for snorkeling.  A wet suit is a must and snorkel gear is available.  Rates are less than for scuba divers.  Ask us for complete details.

Marine Reserves: Anacapa Island has one area where hunting and fishing are not allowed and this is a favorite dive destination because there is so much life.  New "no take" zones are on the horizon.

Photography: The islands are great for both macro and wide-angle photography and the boats have camera rinse tanks.  All the photos on this web site were taken at the Northern Channel Islands.

Hunting: Hunting is allowed on all the boats. A California fishing license is required.  Lobster season varies each year but it starts near the beginning of October and runs until mid- March.  Fish and rock scallops may be taken all year.  If you dive to hunt let us know and we can offer suggestions.  As a rule, the longer trips to the outer islands of Santa Rosa and San Miguel are best but lobster are found at all the islands.

Choosing a Trip: For first time dives in California (or any level diver) try a single day dive.  More day trips can be added. Hunters and experienced divers may prefer an outer island or multi-day trip.  Talk to us and we will help you select the best options.