Sandy Point in Channel Islands National Park features a reef and kelp forest environment at depths of 14 to 18 metres. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, allowing for clear views of the kelp canopy and reef structure. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents, surge, and swell. Water temperatures remain between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, necessitating a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. Access is by boat only, and night diving is permitted. Due to boat traffic, the use of a surface marker buoy is essential throughout the dive and safety stop. Air fills are available in the region.

Talcott Shoal is a boat-accessible site located off Santa Cruz Island, featuring a combination of reef and wreck structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 6 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 21 metres. Visibility is typically high, between 20 and 40 metres. The site is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents and potential surge. Water temperatures remain cold, consistently between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius, necessitating the use of a drysuit or a minimum 7mm wetsuit. Divers should monitor local reports for swell conditions before departure and maintain awareness of currents throughout the 50-minute dive.

Johnsons Lee is a reef and kelp forest site located off Santa Cruz Island. Divers typically explore depths between 12 and 14 metres, with an average depth of 13 metres. Visibility is variable, ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and is suitable for intermediate divers. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should be prepared for strong currents and potential entanglement hazards within the kelp. The site is also open for night diving. Due to the cold water and potential for surf, appropriate thermal protection and careful boat approach planning are required.

South Point on Santa Cruz Island offers a combination of reef and kelp forest diving. The site features depths ranging from 18 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, allowing for clear views of the kelp canopy. Access is strictly by boat to avoid hazardous surf and shore breaks. While currents are generally mild, they can strengthen, and the site includes overhead environments created by reef structures. Water temperatures are cold, ranging from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection such as a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

Ford Point on Santa Cruz Island features a kelp forest environment ranging from 9 to 17 metres in depth. The kelp canopy filters light through the water column, creating a structured habitat. Divers can expect mild currents, though conditions vary, with visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. This site is suitable for beginners, though the water temperature, ranging from 13 to 17 degrees Celsius, requires appropriate thermal protection such as a 5mm wetsuit with a hood. Access is by boat only. Divers should exercise caution regarding boat traffic, potential entanglement in kelp, and the presence of sea urchins on the reef.

Cuyler Harbor, located within Channel Islands National Park, features a reef and kelp forest environment with depths ranging from 15 to 18 metres. This site is strictly for advanced divers due to strong currents, surge, and swell that complicate navigation. Visibility varies significantly, between 10 and 30 metres. Water temperatures are cold, typically between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating thick thermal protection. Access is by boat only, and divers must remain vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing. Given the demanding conditions, divers should plan their dives carefully around current predictions and ensure they are prepared for the physical requirements of this exposed marine environment.

Bechers Cove on Santa Cruz Island offers a combination of reef structure and kelp forest diving. The site is accessible only by boat and features depths ranging from 15 to 25 metres. Divers encounter mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Due to the kelp canopy, entanglement is a risk, and divers should carry cutting tools. Water temperatures remain cool, between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, requiring thermal protection such as a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, sea urchins, and sharks. This site is suitable for beginners, though careful navigation through the kelp is necessary.

San Miguel Island is the westernmost of the Channel Islands, offering a remote diving environment characterised by towering kelp forests, dramatic reefs, pinnacles, and walls. Divers can expect depths ranging from 6 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 5 and 21 metres and moderate currents. Due to the exposed nature of the site, boat access is required. The water temperature typically fluctuates between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius. This site is suited for intermediate divers who are comfortable managing surge and currents. Typical dive times are approximately 50 minutes.