Plongée à Channel Islands — United States

The Channel Islands off Southern California offer a diving experience unlike any tropical destination — towering kelp forests that filter golden light, playful sea lions that spiral around divers, and rocky reefs teeming with giant sea bass and colorful invertebrates. The national park's protected waters are a temperate diving paradise just an hour's boat ride from Ventura. Cold water rewards those who come prepared with drysuit-worthy encounters.

Score
65.0
Visibilité
5–24m
Température
12–21°C
Meilleurs mois
July, August, September
Back to directory
World Class
Intermediate
Channel Islands
United StatesNorth America
65.0

SCORE

34.0167°N

-119.3833°E

The Channel Islands off Southern California offer a diving experience unlike any tropical destination — towering kelp forests that filter golden light, playful sea lions that spiral around divers, and rocky reefs teeming with giant sea bass and colorful invertebrates. The national park's protected waters are a temperate diving paradise just an hour's boat ride from Ventura. Cold water rewards those who come prepared with drysuit-worthy encounters.

California's Kelp Forest Wonderland

Visibility5–24 m
Temperature12–21°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$130
Best MonthsJuly, August, September, October
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH30.0VIS55.0SV72.0TMP38.0DA78.0OP80.0TS82.0GT82.0VAL62.0CRD68.0SP72.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
70
Megafauna Encounters
68
Reef Fish Abundance
65
Macro Life
78
Endemic Species
72
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
30.0
Visibility & Conditions
55.0
Dive Site Variety
72.0
Water Temperature
38.0
Depth & Access
78.0
Operator Quality
80.0
Topside Experience
82.0
Getting There
82.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
68.0
Social Proof
72.0

Dive Types

kelp forestreefwreckshorenight

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Channel Islands NP hikingkayaking sea caves (Anacapa, Santa Cruz)island fox spottingwhale watchingVentura Harbor dining

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
  • Chumash painted cave
  • Ventura Mission

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber50 km — Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber / USC Hyperbaric Medicine
Nearest Hospital30 km

Boat to Ventura Harbor (1 hr); hospital in Ventura; chamber in LA area; Coast Guard helicopter available

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Truth Aquatics / Channel Islands Dive Adventures

PADI

4.6
480 reviewsNITROX

Spectre Diving

NAUI

4.7
290 reviewsNITROX

Peace Dive Boat

PADI

4.5
350 reviews