Anacapa Island offers diverse underwater topography including walls, drop-offs, pinnacles, caves, and kelp forests. Located 20 kilometres from the mainland, this site requires boat access. Divers encounter depths ranging from 6 to 120 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. Conditions are variable, featuring strong currents, surge, and surf, with visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 10°C and 21°C, necessitating a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit year-round. Hazards include cold water, boat traffic, and significant surge. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions require careful monitoring.

Arch Rock Cove at Anacapa Island features a combination of reef structures and kelp forests. Divers can explore depths ranging from 4 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. The site is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents and the presence of surge and swell. The kelp canopy creates an overhead environment that requires careful buoyancy control. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 12 metres. Access is by boat only, and divers must remain vigilant for boat traffic during ascents. A surface marker buoy is essential for safety at this location.

Cathedral Cove at Anacapa Island is a shallow kelp forest and reef site accessible only by boat. Divers typically explore depths of 3 to 4 metres, making it suitable for beginners. The site is known for frequent encounters with California sea lions, which are very common. Other marine life recorded here includes Spanish shawl nudibranchs, horn sharks, garibaldi, and California spiny lobster. Conditions vary, with visibility ranging from 10 to 20 metres and mild currents. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, cold water, rip currents, surf, and surge. Water temperatures fluctuate between 14C and 20C throughout the year.

Inside Fish Camp is a shallow reef and kelp forest site located 100 metres off Anacapa Island. The site is suitable for beginners, with an average depth of 4 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 6 to 18 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 14C and 20C throughout the year. Due to the nature of the environment, divers should be prepared for surge and cold water conditions. Boat traffic is a potential hazard in the area. Typical dives at this location last approximately 40 minutes.

Ampitheater is a shallow marine dive site located at Anacapa Island within Channel Islands National Park. The site features an average depth of 6 metres, making it a shallow location suitable for divers. Access to this site is exclusively by boat. Water temperatures at this location fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 14C in the cooler months of February and March to 19C during the peak of late summer in August and September. Due to the shallow nature of the topography, the site is well-suited for those seeking a relaxed, shallow-water experience in the Channel Islands.

The Winfield Scott is a shipwreck and artificial reef located off Anacapa Island. The wreckage is distributed across a depth range of 4 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Access to this site is by boat only. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents, surge, and visibility between 5 and 18 metres. The site is suitable for intermediate divers, who must navigate hazards including boat traffic, entanglement risks, and the overhead environment created by the wreck structure. Water temperatures range from 13C to 17C throughout the year.

Sea Lion Cove at Anacapa Island offers a shallow reef and kelp forest environment suitable for beginners. Divers typically explore depths ranging from 2 to 9 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Access to this site is by boat only, located 15 kilometres from the shore. Conditions vary, with visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres and moderate currents. Water temperatures fluctuate between 14C and 19C, often necessitating a thick wetsuit or drysuit due to potential upwelling. Hazards at this site include boat traffic, cold water, entanglement risks, sea urchins, and surge.

Frenchy's Cove is a shallow, rocky reef located on the north side of the west islet of Anacapa Island. This site is primarily accessed by boat and offers snorkeling opportunities in depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres. Conditions are generally calm, though visitors should be aware of potential hazards including surf, strong currents, and entanglement. Visibility typically fluctuates between 10 and 25 metres. Due to the water temperatures, which range from 14C to 21C, a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended for comfort. Access to this area is seasonal to protect nesting birds, and the site is well-suited for beginners.