Check out Catalina Island
Gorgeous Catalina Island
Catalina is the southernmost of the eight California Channel Islands and easily accessible from Long Beach, the harbor in Los Angeles. This island is
truly a paradise for both divers and non-divers alike and makes a wonderful weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. more...
San Diego Shark Diving
If you are looking to dive with sharks in California, this might
it. Your expedition leader puts on his chainmail suit and escorts
each diver, one by one, into the cage. The Leader will be in front
of the cage, baiting the sharks up to your cameras. Sharks will
bite the bait, the Leader, and the cage.
You can use your own cameras or rent still and video cameras from us. Try not to shoot all your film in the first couple of minutes; you'll
be in the cage 30 to 40 minutes each turn. A Professional Videographer accompanies each trip, so you can also purchase a video of your time with
the sharks. more...
California Photography
Giant Kelp near Anacapa Island
The water can be chilly but diving in an underwater kelp forest is an amazing experience...
Enjoy beautiful underwater images of the Channel Islands by Santa Barbara photographer Annie Crawley. more...
Destination of the Month
Purple Sea Urchins, Anacapa Island
In March 2001, we went diving in the waters of the Northern Channel Islands consisting of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Island. The Channel Islands are preserved in the same rugged condition as they have been for thousands of years. Development has been very limited.
The dive sites are reached by dive boats from beautiful Santa Barbara harbor. more...
Dive Global can help you enjoy the very best in global diving. Contact our experts at Dive Global to
make sure you get the most out of your dive trips, every time. Plan a Trip Today...
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DESTINATIONS » USA » The Channel Islands | Farallon Islands | The Florida Keys | Hawaiian Islands | Midway Atoll | N. Carolina (wrecks)
Diving California's Channel Islands is one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Especially if you have never dived the California waters before. The waters around these islands are generally cool and clear and are filled with incredible variety and quantity of sea life. Nothing can compare to diving in the crystal-blue wonderland of a kelp forest...
The Channel Islands consist of the Northern and Southern Channel Islands. The Northern Islands are made up, in an east to west chain, of Anacapa,
Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. This chain of islands is ruggedly spectacular. The Southern group is made up of, in order
of size from smallest to largest, Santa Barbara, San Nicolas, San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands. Catalina Island is the only island in all
the Channel Islands with a substantial permanent population concentrated in it's only town, Avalon. The southern group is much more loosely organized, geographically speaking. Essentially, they are ridges in the sea bottom rising up to break the surface in varying degrees.
Animals and plants resemble those in northern Mexico. Beautiful kelp and good fish life. The islands are accessible by dayboat from from
Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles). You can also join a liveaboard for a few days.
Coming soon!
California may be noted for its sunshine but do not be fooled, it does get cool in California. Full cold water gear is best for for these dive spots. Along the coast and over the ocean you can expect these general conditions: May to mid-July
Cool overcast skies in the mornings and evenings, highs in high 60s to low 70s, lows into high 50s.
July thru October
Generally clear days with occasional overcast, highs into the 80s, lows into 60s.
November thru April
Varied weather including rain, cool clear days and overcast, highs from high 50s up to low 70s, lows into 40s.
Regardless of the time of year, the diving is excellent. Visibility is usually very good, averaging between 30 and 100 feet. The clear open
ocean water that surrounds most of the islands keeps the water a deep blue color. The best times of year for clear water are the months of
August thru October or before the seasonal rains. If the rains come late, November and December are good diving months as well. With the
right conditions, visibility of over 70ft is not unusual at the right locations. The poorest months for clear water are March thru June because
of plankton blooms and storms but even at this time of year it is not hard to find dive spots with visibility of 30 feet or better. A 1/4-inch
wetsuit is generally recommended.
Diving and Snorkeling Guide to the Channel Islands, Including Catalina, Santa Barbara, Anacapa and more, Pisces Book Editors | Buy
Diving offshore California, Darren & Stacy Douglas | Buy
Diving Catalina | Buy
Boating and Diving Catalina Island, Bruce Wicklund | Buy
Sandeaters.org, dedicated to Southern Californa Beach Divers
Sustainable Seas: Channel Islands
NOAA Santuaries: Channel islands
Mission Log
Lonely Planet California :: Online
| Buy
California Diving
Sealab Catalina
Transport to Catalina Island
Dive Catalina
Marine Life of Southern California
DESTINATIONS » USA » The Channel Islands | Farallon Islands | The Florida Keys | Hawaiian Islands | Midway Atoll | N. Carolina (wrecks)
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