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Channel Islands, California
Depths to: Beyond 100 feet (30 m) Visibility: Ranges from 30 feet to more than 100 feet Water temperature: Ranges from 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) in the winter to 70 F (21 C) in the summer.A wet or dry suit is needed. Marine life: Kelp forests, sea lions, garibaldis, rockfish, gobies, spiny lobsters, as well as shipwrecks await underwater explorers. Fees: Entering the Channel Islands National Park is free, but for those wishing to camp a $10 fee will be charged. On-site amenities: Services vary on each island but generally include hiking trails, ranger-led hikes, camp sites, a visitor center, and areas for picnicking and watching wildlife. More info: Call (805) 966-7107 or visit www.cinms.mos.noaa.gov. A brochure from the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary maps shipwrecks, sea lion rookeries, and other good diving and photo spots. The Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau Web site also is helpful (www.santabarbaraca.com) and includes area dive centers. The Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, www.ventura-usa.com, also has a listing of area dive centers. Open: Year-round. Getting there: Dive charters are available from Santa Barbara, Ventura and other mainland areas. Channel Islands Aviation provides service at the Camarillo airport to Santa Rosa Island. Call (805) 987-1301. Island Packers, (805) 642-1393, provides boat transportation from Ventura to all islands. Truth Aquatics offers dive charters to several areas. Call (805) 962-1127 or visit www.truthaquatics.com.
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The
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, so designated since 1980 and one
of 13 in the United States, is about 20 miles off the coast of Santa
Barbara, California, and composed of five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz,
Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. Beginning January 1, 2003, parts
of the sanctuary will be set aside as no-fishing zones to replenish
declining fish populations. Transportation to the islands is provided mainly
from Ventura, which is 70 miles north of Los Angeles, and from Santa
Barbara, which is 30 miles north of Ventura.
