Refugio is a shallow reef and kelp forest site located in Channel Islands National Park. Divers access the site via a shore entry approximately 75 metres from the beach. The area features depths ranging from 5 to 9 metres, with an average of 7 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Visibility typically fluctuates between 3 and 10 metres. Water temperatures are cool, ranging from 13 to 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should exercise caution during entry and when navigating the reef bottom to avoid contact with sea urchins. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, a cafe, and a dive shop for equipment rentals.

Refugio State Beach offers accessible shore entry to reefs located at both ends of the cove. This site features a mix of reef and kelp forest habitats at depths of 1 to 2 metres. Divers and snorkellers may encounter species including the Lesser Two-spot Octopus, Horn Shark, and various nudibranchs such as the Spanish Shawl, Monterey Dorid, and Hermissenda. Other occasional sightings include the Garibaldi, Scorpionfish, and California Spiny Lobster. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility varies up to 10 metres. Water temperatures range from 13 to 18C, making a wetsuit recommended. Hazards include rip currents and the presence of sharks. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and a rinse station.

Coal Oil Point on Santa Cruz Island offers a varied underwater environment consisting of reef, kelp forest, and seagrass. Divers can explore depths between 10 and 30 metres. The site is accessible by both boat and shore, though shore entries require navigating surf and shore break. Currents are generally mild, and visibility is typically around 5 metres. Water temperatures range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Due to the potential for boat traffic and surf conditions, this site is suitable for divers who possess strong buoyancy control and buddy awareness.

Goleta Beach Park offers an accessible entry point for divers and snorkellers of all skill levels. The site features a sandy bottom and is well-suited for beginners due to straightforward navigation. Water temperatures are warm, ranging between 25C and 30C throughout the year. Visibility is generally limited, typically measuring between 1 and 6 metres. Beachside facilities are available for visitors, making this a convenient location for shore or boat-based activities. The site provides a consistent environment for those looking to practice skills or enjoy a relaxed dive in a shallow coastal setting.

Mesa Lane Steps is a shore-access site located in Santa Barbara, reached by descending a long staircase. The topography consists of a rocky reef running parallel to the shore, interspersed with patches of kelp forest. Divers typically experience depths between 5 and 8 metres, with an average of 6 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility ranging from 2 to 8 metres and moderate currents. Due to the presence of surf and potential for strong currents, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes. The site offers a rugged coastal environment for those comfortable with shore entries and navigating rocky reef structures.

Ocean Sports is a boat-access dive site featuring a combination of reef and kelp forest topography. The site reaches depths between 10 and 30 metres, with the kelp providing a distinctive vertical structure. Divers should be prepared for variable currents and visibility, which can shift without warning. Water temperatures range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating a 7mm wetsuit. Due to the offshore location, boat traffic is a constant hazard; divers must maintain situational awareness and deploy a surface marker buoy upon ascent. The environment supports a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region's kelp forest and reef habitats.

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara offers an accessible dive site suitable for beginners. The topography consists of a shallow, sloping sandy bottom. Divers and snorkellers can access the water via both shore and boat entries. Conditions at this location are variable, with visibility typically limited to around one metre. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging between 25C and 30C. Due to the nature of the sandy substrate, the site is best suited for those looking for a relaxed, shallow dive in a central location.

Butterfly Beach on Santa Cruz Island is a shallow shore dive suitable for beginners. The site features a mix of natural reef and artificial reef structures, with depths ranging from 6 to 9 metres. Divers often encounter harbour seals, which are common, and occasionally California sea lions. Other marine life includes California spiny lobsters, various crabs, sea stars, and sea squirts. Visibility is generally low, often reaching a maximum of 3 metres, and conditions can be affected by surf and surge. The site is also used for night diving and as a training location. Divers should be aware of potential jellyfish and mild currents when planning their entry.