Black Point is a reef dive located off Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. The site features a reef structure at depths between 14 and 20 metres. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. While mild currents are typical, the site is subject to surge and swell, requiring intermediate skill levels and careful buoyancy control. Water temperatures remain cold throughout the year, fluctuating between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. Access is exclusively by boat. Divers should monitor local reports for surge and current conditions before departure and wear a minimum 5mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves for thermal protection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.