California’s Channel Islands are part of the larger Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to the highest number of endangered species in the United States. Among the more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna on the islands and in the surrounding waters, scientists have catalogued 145 species that are unique to the Channel Islands. Every diver should take the opportunity to investigate the wonders of this amazing, out of the way paradise, which has been likened to Galapagos for its’ biodiversity and uniqueness.
There are eight islands in the Channel chain, with each representing a variety of differences from the others. Though the park encompasses just five of these islands, it would take months to thoroughly explore all five, both on the islands, as well as beneath the sparkling waters that surround them.
Prominent Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary Dive Sites
No matter which island you decide to visit first, you will discover that sea life is abundant. In summer months, the water is between 60-70 degrees, and in winter months, between 50-60 degrees. Visibility varies from site to site.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa is a short boat ride from Oxnard or Ventura, and charters run from both cities. This island is a great place to start, and an excellent choice for divers who have only a single day to dedicate to underwater exploration.
Cathedral Cove – This Anacapa dive site features a sea lion rookery and an abundant forest of Giant Kelp, plus shallow caves and arches. Situated on the Northern side of East Anacapa, it is more sheltered than some other areas, and the water is often slightly warmer. Besides the vibrant orange Garibaldi that peer out from every nook and cranny, you are likely to encounter Calico Bass, Senorita Wrasse, Opal Eye, Perch, Lobster, and even the occasional Abalone. No harvesting is allowed – remember, this is a sanctuary!
Landings Cove – Landings cove features an enormous arch, plenty of the same fish that inhabit Cathedral Cove, and plenty of smaller nudibranch, starfish, and anemone.
Coral Reef – Coral reef features a colorful carpet of what are estimated to be millions of brittle stars. Use caution, as currents can be very strong in this area.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island’s waters sometimes have much lower visibility than some of the other islands, due to run-off. This area features plenty of kelp, along with the curious kelpfish that inhabit it.
Flame Reef – Located on the east end of Santa Cruz Island, on the south side, this area is packed with colorful nudibranchs, brittle stars, and small fish. Although strong currents sometimes prevent diving, this is a lovely site when conditions are mild.
Gull Island – On the southwest side of Santa Cruz Island, lies a micro-island surrounded by kelp and enormous areas of purple hydrocoral. Larger fish, harbor seals, and sea lions frequent the area.
West End Pinnacles – Although the pinnacles located at the west end of the island are often exposed and not diveable, they feature sandy channels and plentiful small creatures if you can get to them.
Santa Rosa Island
Lobster hunting is sometimes permitted at Santa Rosa Island. As the area is nutrient-rich, visibility is often fairly low. Even so, there are a couple of good dive sites here. One is Bee Rock, which is located well off shore, to the southwest side of the island. Fish and seals, as well as plenty of smaller life, are abundant here.
East End Pinnacles – These pinnacles lie far below the surface and are never exposed. Their tops lie at about fifty feet, and they are home to plenty of clinging life forms.
San Miguel Island
San Miguel’s reefs are covered in nudibranchs and are home to many smaller fish. There are multiple rocks and pinnacles to the northwest side of the island, including Richardson Rock and Wilson Rock, as well as Skyscraper and Boomerang, which are a pair of seamounts further offshore to the northwest. These features average 50-60 feet at their tops, but are often not diveable due to heavy surge.
Judith Rock Pinnacle – This pinnacle is 55-60 feet at the top. Currents can be heavy in this area, even though it is accessible more often than some of the other prominent sites.
Rainbarrel is an astonishing place that is much more accessible. Located on the south side of the island, this site is filled with Abalone and features a large kelp forest.
Wyckoff Ledge is more protected than most of the other sites, and features lots of nudibranchs. This is a good place to see the rare, colorful Mosshead Warbonnets and perhaps even come face to face with a Wolf Eel. The majority of this vibrant life is at 30-100 feet.
Divers need to be aware that while exploration of these sites is encouraged, no marine life may be disturbed. Preserving the natural heritage of Channel Islands dive sites ensures that they will be there for generations to come.