The Channel Islands of California are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean 20 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara California. 5 of the islands, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara comprise the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. The National Park and Marine Sanctuary are so stunning, that divers often refer to it as the Fiji of America.
The Channel Islands are part of one of the richest marine parks of the world. Many unique species of plants and animals thrive here near the Kelp forests, such as sea lions, garibaldi, rockfish, gobies, spiny lobsters, Giant Sea Bass, Bat Rays etc. The Islands are also one of the Top Whale watching destinations in the world, and divers frequently spot blue whales while traveling to dive sites. Pods of Dolphins are a common sight and accompany most boats traveling along these waters.
The Marine Sanctuary offers an unparalleled Scuba diving experience, with the northern Islands offering colorful rocky reefs hosting an unbelievable amount of marine life drawn to its nutrient rich waters. Frequent sightings of Giant Sea Stars that hoover up the sea bed, have been reported by divers in these waters. The Northern islands also offer cave diving sites which teem with spiny lobsters, and the chance to dive in California’s famous giant kelp forests. Visibility in the area ranges from 30 feet to more than 100 feet and the waters range on the colder side from 55 degrees in the winter to 70 in the summer so a wetsuit or drysuit in winters is highly recommended.
The southern islands have warmer waters, and are teeming with sea lions, and are a unique opportunity for divers to swim with them and observe the playful sea lions up close. Garibaldi in their bright colors contrasting against the kelp and Giant curious Sea Bass are common to these waters offering scuba divers a spectacular sight. Underwater photographers will have no dearth of subjects to snap away at in these waters.
The admission to the Marine Sanctuary is free, and the islands are accessible via dive charters which are available from Santa Barbara, Ventura and other mainland towns. In order to best experience the channels diving, we recommend availing of a locally operated live-aboard that will allow divers to experience the best dive site these islands have to offer.
For non-divers too, there is plenty to do and see at each island of the national park. Hiking trails, snorkeling, and spotting some of the islands unique flora and fauna such as the Island Fox, Channel Islands Spotted Skunk, Island Scrub Jay, Ashy Storm-petrel, Island fence lizard, Island Night Lizard, Channel Island Slender Salamander, etc. Camping is allowed at the national parks for an additional fee of $10.
Overall the Channels islands of California offer the ideal diving getaway with diverse marine life and dive sites underwater, and tons of activities and things to see above water while waiting for your next dive.
Photos : usoceangov, Ed Bierman, star5112
