Dive the Channel Islands.
Three dives a day off Anacapa or Santa Cruz, anchored right over the best sites. Built for certified divers, with freedivers, snorkelers and ride-along guests welcome aboard. Out of Ventura Harbor, back by four.
Reserve your spot.
Pick a date and book. Anacapa or Santa Cruz, three dives, all levels welcome. Weekends year-round, weekdays seasonal. Booking confirms instantly.
Anchored over the best sites.
California diving is different. You don't drop into the current and drift behind a dive master. We set bow and stern anchors and hold the boat right over the site, in 25 to 50 feet of water. Set your own pace, swim the kelp forest and explore what interests you. No long swims, no rush.
Three dives a day at Anacapa and/or Santa Cruz (dive sites are based that day's weather and conditions). Hot breakfast when you board, BBQ lunch between dives and a brownie sundae in the hot tub on the ride home.
Dive with a guide.
Kelp forest diving is its own thing, and a pro guide is the easiest way to get more from the day. New to the islands, visiting from out of state, building confidence or chasing photos, a guide helps you navigate the site, find the marine life and dive comfortable.
Join a small group with a professional guide from Dive Guides Channel Islands who leads the site, points out marine life and shares local knowledge. Great for newer divers, visitors, photographers, or anyone wanting extra confidence in the water. Up to six divers.
A guide from Dive Guides Channel Islands dedicated to you and your party. Set your own pace, spend more time on photos, work on skills or hunt for specific marine life. Up to five divers in your group.
The largest dive boat in California.
85 feet of aluminum hull, built for a full day on the water with room for everyone.
Individual dive stations
A station for every diver, wide aisles and deck room. Air fills come to your tank, no swapping between dives.
Showers and hot tub
Two hot freshwater showers and a freshwater hot tub that seats eight to warm up between dives.
Room to relax
A giant sundeck, a galley that seats 32, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Camera rinse tank and charging outlets too.
Professional crew
A crew running a safe, organized day, with dive briefings before every dive and guides available on request.
Kelp forests, Garibaldi and easy sites.
The Channel Islands sit where the cold California current meets warmer water, so the marine life runs thick. Shallow, bright and beginner-friendly, dive at your own pace.
The crew will point you to the best sites for the day.
- GaribaldiCalifornia's bright orange state fish, all over the reef
- Giant kelp forestSwim the stands in 20 to 50 feet
- Sea lionsCurious and playful on the right day
- Dolphins and whalesOften spotted on the crossing
- Anacapa or Santa CruzThree sites per day at Anacapa or Santa Cruz
Hour by hour.
A full day on the water with three dives. Timings are typical and shift with conditions, but the day runs like this.
- 6:00 AMDock
Boarding begins
Arrive at Ventura Harbor, settle into your assigned dive station and grab a hot breakfast. Rental gear is waiting at your station.
- 7:00 AMCrossing
Cast off for the islands
About 90 minutes across. Finish breakfast, explore the boat and watch for dolphins and whales.
- On the wayBriefing
Morning dive briefing
The Captain covers conditions, the dive plan and safety.
- 9:00 AMDive 1
First dive
Anchored at Anacapa or Santa Cruz. Detailed site breifings are given for both divers and snorkelers.
- 10:30 AMDive 2
Second dive
Another site, your own pace. No long swims, we sit right over the site.
- 12:00 PMGalley
BBQ lunch onboard
A freshly grilled BBQ lunch with a meat and a vegetarian option, plus snacks and drinks.
- 1:00 PMDive 3
Final dive
Your last dive of the day before we point the boat home.
- ~4:00 PMDock
Back at the harbor
Head for home around 2:30. Brownie sundae in the hot tub on the way, back to Ventura by four. Weather depending.
Ventura Harbor Village, Dock D.
About an hour from LAX, 90 minutes from downtown LA, 30 minutes from Santa Barbara.
DepartureWhale Lot
Park in the lot marked “Whale.” Free Monday through Thursday, $10 all day Friday through Sunday and holidays. Free along Spinnaker before the Whale lot.
Show up ready.
- Board by 6 AM.Final check-in is 6:30 and the boat leaves promptly at 7. It cannot wait for late arrivals.
- Bring your cert card.Required to scuba dive. A logbook is recommended.
- Bring one tank and weights, or rent.Air fills are included. Rent gear online ahead and it is waiting at your station.
- Towel and a change of clothes.Plus sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for the deck.
- Layer up and pack Dramamine.It gets breezy on the channel. Take it the night before if you get seasick.
- Hunting? Bring your catch gear.Bring your own cooler, ice, bags and a filet knife. The boat has a game tank and cleaning station. Plus any necessary licenses. Please note that we frequently dive in MPA areas so there is no guarentee you will be able to hunt. Sites are chosen based on that days weather and dive conditions. If hunting is a priority, check out our other speciality trips.
Booking & cancellation.
Plans change. Here is how the window works before you book.
- Cancel or reschedule 7 days outCancel or reschedule at least 7 days before departure for a full refund. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are not refundable.
- Add Trip Protection for flexibilityAdd it at checkout to extend your window to 24 hours before departure.
- Weather cancellations are always refundedIf the Captain cancels for weather or unsafe conditions, you always get a full refund.
Come dive the islands.
Three dives, a hot breakfast, BBQ lunch and a brownie sundae in the hot tub on the ride home. Bring your cert card, we will handle the rest.