SCUBA Diving in Channel Islands

SCUBA Diving

Dive in to explore kelp forests and sea caves in the Channel Islands National Park waters.

Guide Sections

Use SCUBA Diving's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.

Information

SCUBA Diving Details

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

Activities

SCUBA divers will delight in the park's undersea world, where kelp forests, sea caves, and coves await exploration. Diving is best off of Santa Barbara, Anacapa, and eastern Santa Cruz Island. The best dive spots include the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara Island and Anacapa Island and Scorpion Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Park-authorized concessioners offer guided dive trips within the park. When SCUBA diving, be sure to always use the buddy system, display a dive flag, unload spear guns at least 50 feet from the beach, and leave a dive plan with a friend so someone knows where you are. Wetsuits and hoods are also recommended, since water temperatures remain cold year-round (55-70 degrees Fahrenheit).