Kinton Point, located off Santa Cruz Island, is a reef and kelp forest site suited for intermediate divers. The site features depths ranging from 15 to 30 metres with visibility typically between 10 and 20 metres. A kelp canopy filters light through the water column, creating a structured environment. Divers should expect mild currents, though surface surge and swell are common hazards that require careful monitoring during boat entry and exit. Water temperatures are cool, ranging from 13 to 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Boat access is required to reach this location, and divers must be self-sufficient regarding equipment and air fills.

Forney Cove on Santa Cruz Island features a reef and kelp forest environment suitable for beginners. Divers typically encounter depths between 15 and 18 metres with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site is accessed by boat, though shore entry is possible for those prepared to navigate surf and shore breaks. Conditions generally include mild currents, though these can strengthen. Water temperatures fluctuate between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should remain mindful of boat traffic in the area and potential entanglement risks when moving through the kelp canopy. Always use a surface marker buoy when ascending.

Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island offers a diverse underwater environment featuring a combination of cave, reef, wall, and kelp forest terrain. Divers can explore depths ranging from 9 to 30 metres with visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. This site is accessible by boat only and requires intermediate skill due to moderate currents, surge, and the overhead cave environment. Divers must manage buoyancy carefully to avoid kelp entanglement and remain vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing. Given the overhead nature of the cave, proper orientation and the use of a torch are essential for safe navigation. Surge conditions can fluctuate rapidly, making swell forecasts a critical planning factor.

Morse Point is a boat-access reef and kelp forest site located off Santa Cruz Island. Divers navigate depths ranging from 11 to 23 metres, with an average depth of 17 metres. Visibility at the site typically spans 10 to 30 metres, providing clear views of the reef structure and kelp canopy. Conditions feature mild currents, though surge and swell are common hazards that require careful buoyancy control. Due to water temperatures between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius, a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. This site is suited for intermediate divers, with typical dives lasting around 50 minutes. Access is strictly by boat.

Punta Arena, located off Santa Cruz Island, features a combination of reef structures and kelp forests. Divers typically explore depths between 14 and 18 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. The site is accessible by boat and offers mild currents, though surge and swell conditions are common. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection such as a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Divers should remain vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing and monitor their ascent closely.

Skunk Bay, located off Santa Cruz Island, features a combination of reef structures and kelp forests. The site ranges from 6 to 30 metres in depth, with an average of 18 metres. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents, though surge, swell, and rip currents can increase the difficulty of the dive. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres. Access is by boat only, and the use of a surface marker buoy is recommended for controlled ascents. Water temperatures remain between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection such as a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

Gull Island, located off Santa Cruz Island, offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reef, wall, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 6 to 33 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Visibility varies significantly from 6 to 30 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and is suited for intermediate divers due to potential surge, swell, and cold water temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius. Species recorded around this area include scorpionfish, flatworms, sea hares, sea stars, ochre sea stars, tube worms, abalone, snails, and striped shore crabs. Divers should monitor for boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy.

East Point on Santa Cruz Island offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reef, pinnacle, wall, and kelp forest formations. Divers can explore depths ranging from 12 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 15 metres. This site is accessible only by boat and is suited for intermediate divers due to the presence of strong currents. Water temperatures remain between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Given the strong currents, planning dives around slack water is recommended. Guided tours and boat charters are available to assist with site navigation and surface recovery.