I’m often asked, "Where is your favorite place to dive?" and my answer is always Southern California's Channel Islands oh course. Our SoCal Channel Islands offer a variety of dive experiences and interaction, each with unique personalities, water temperatures, marine life, mammals, corals, and kelp forests. Every time I dive there, I fall in love with scuba again.

Having taught scuba diving—recreational, technical, and commercial—for 30 years, I get sometimes get asked for advice, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned, respectfully, from my experience.

Here’s a quick semi-detailed look at all seven of California’s Channel Islands, all accessible by dive boat thru the Spectre, Peace and Raptor dive boats:

1. Santa Barbara Island - MY FIRST CHOICE
   Often regarded as the best island for marine life interaction, Santa Barbara Island is home to sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of colorful fish. The island’s kelp forests and rocky reefs provide a rich environment for underwater exploration, with playful sea lions often interacting with divers.
2. Santa Cruz Island
   Known for its 100-foot-long kelp forests, Santa Cruz is one of California's most diverse dive spots. The island is home to sea otters, giant seabass, and vibrant fish schools, plus excellent wreck dives that combine historical exploration with diverse marine life.
3. Santa Rosa Island
   A remote island offering pristine marine environments, Santa Rosa is perfect for divers seeking crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and kelp forests. It’s home to a wide variety of marine mammals and offers diverse underwater topographies, from rocky outcroppings to sandy bottoms.
4. San Miguel Island
   Known for its wild, remote nature, San Miguel offers some of the best opportunities to see large marine mammals, including elephant seals and sea lions. The island features underwater cliffs, deep-water drop-offs, and abundant kelp forests, perfect for more rugged, experienced divers.
5. San Nicolas Island
   Offering pristine, less-frequented dive sites, San Nicolas is ideal for those seeking solitude and unique marine encounters. The island’s dramatic underwater landscapes include schools of fish, seals, kelp forests, and stunning rock formations.
6. Catalina Island
   Perhaps the most famous Channel Island, Catalina is a diver's paradise with giant seabass, Garibaldi fish, vibrant pink and purple coral reefs, and clear waters. It offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels, making it a popular year-round destination for divers.
7. San Clemente Island
   Known for its calm waters and crystal-clear visibility, San Clemente is perfect for divers seeking pristine and peaceful conditions. The island is home to abundant marine life, including sharks, rays, and reef fish, making it a great place to experience incredible underwater views.

Dive Boat Accessibility:

All of these islands are accessible by dive boat, with trips departing from various points in California, particularly Los Angeles and Ventura. Several dive shops offer day trips or weekend excursions to the Channel Islands, with guided trips ensuring you get the most out of your diving experience.

More details of each island LOOK

How to book a trip LOOK