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.

Pinnacles at Santa Cruz Island is a boat-access site defined by submerged rock formations rising through a kelp forest and reef. The site ranges from 15 to 30 metres in depth, with an average of 25 metres. Divers encounter cold water temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Visibility typically spans 10 to 25 metres. Due to strong currents, surge, and significant depth, this site is suited for intermediate to advanced divers. Night diving is permitted for experienced divers with local guidance. A surface marker buoy is essential due to boat traffic and shifting currents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.