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Channelling Your Dive: "California" Island Sites
08/24/2008 - By Staff Writer Lush vegetation. Microclimates with unique marine life. Kelp forests. Purple coral. Sure, they all sound great, but how far do you have to trek to reach this dive site?
Well, depending on where you live in the US, you can likely hop on a bus. These aspects of marine life are all common to the Channel Islands off the California coast. Most folks have heard of Santa Catalina Island—thanks to the Beach Boys-- but not as commonly known are her seven siblings: San Clemente, San Nicolas, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa.
The best part about the Channel Islands, according to marine life aficionados, is their wide range of diving options. Although lush kelp forests are common to all eight, each has its own special attractions. Anacapa, to begin with, is actually three separate islands—West, Middle, and East Anacapa. This group of islands is only 18 kilometers (11miles) off the coast of Ventura, California. They are well known for easy dive conditions, clear water, and encounters with giant sea bass and harbour seals.
Santa Rosa, the second largest of the Channel Islands, is less than three hours by boat from the city of Santa Barbara on the mainland. Privately owned until recently, this location--known for large life and rock formations--is now a part of the Channel Islands National Park as well as a fantastic underwater photography site.
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the eight Channel Islands. A third of its mass belongs to The Nature Conservancy, which runs an Island Fox recovery program there. The rest belongs to the National Park. Santa Cruz is best known for its varied cave and cavern dives. It’s fascinating diving, but should only be done with the proper training and certification! Santa Cruz is about two hours by boat from the mainland.
Santa Catalina is a particularly accessible island—containing the small town of Avalon, California, Santa Catalina can be reached by ferry from Long Beach.
Avalon features rental boat moorings, a hyperbaric chamber, and several restaurants that are worth a visit. This is a great area for underwater visibility, and the marine life is abundant.
Five hours by boat from Santa Barbara lies San Miguel Island. Furthest to the west of the Channels, San Miguel has the coldest water (and rawest weather) of all. Nudibranches, blennies, and crabs all thrive in the waters here, providing photographers with tremendous subject material.
San Clemente, a six hour boat ride from San Pedro, is best known for lobsters. They congregate here particularly to breed. This island also features moray eels, black sea bass, and underwater walls with great visibility.
Santa Barbara, at just a single square mile, is the smallest of the Channel Islands. A four hour boat ride from San Pedro, Santa Barbara is known for its friendly sea lions. These great mammals will play with divers, turning somersaults and begging their human friends to do the same. The invertebrate life around this island—including the aforementioned purple coral—is rich, as are interesting underwater formations.
Last but, well, least, is San Nicolas Island. Not only is San Nicolas farthest from shore of all the Channel Islands, but it is most distinguished by its very large bugs. Frankly, with seven (actually nine) other islands in the chain to choose from, why would you bother? But regardless of which of the Channel Island you visit, just remember: have a safe trip, conserve the environment, and enjoy your dive!