Cold water kelp forests, sea caves, and wild islands close to California yet worlds apart
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 7 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Channel Islands.
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Honduras
Roatan Divers is a multi-award-winning PADI 5-Star IDC Eco Center dive shop based in the heart of West End. As our slogan promises: below, above, and beyond, all for you! As a boutique dive center, we specialize in personalized experiences for small groups, with a strong focus on individual attention, comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility. We have our private docks for easy boarding, and a fleet of 4 fast custom boats to take you across the best dive sites in Roatan for unforgettable dive adventures! From beginner to professional levels, our top-quality courses and unforgettable dives are led by an outstanding international team of skilled captains and expert instructors.
PADIDives near 47 spots
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Honduras
Roatan Divers is a multi-award-winning PADI 5-Star IDC Eco Center dive shop based in the heart of West End. As our slogan promises: below, above, and beyond, all for you! As a boutique dive center, we specialize in personalized experiences for small groups, with a strong focus on individual attention, comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility. We have our private docks for easy boarding, and a fleet of 4 fast custom boats to take you across the best dive sites in Roatan for unforgettable dive adventures! From beginner to professional levels, our top-quality courses and unforgettable dives are led by an outstanding international team of skilled captains and expert instructors.
PADIDives near 47 spots
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Last updated: November 21, 2025 • 7 sources
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Overview
Channel Islands National Park and the surrounding national marine sanctuary protect five remote islands and cold water kelp forests just off the Southern California coast. Year round boat access from Ventura and Oxnard opens up rich scuba, freedive, and snorkel adventures among sea lions, giant sea bass, and colorful invertebrates. On land, hikers find quiet ridgelines, sea cliffs, and endemic wildlife. Expect cool water, variable wind, and a strong conservation ethic shaped by marine protected areas that cover about a fifth of local waters.
Dense kelp and rocky reefs hold rockfish, sheephead, invertebrates, plus occasional pelagics for wide-angle and macro.
Thirteen MPAs cover about 21% of waters, with several no-take reserves open for diving and snorkeling.
With no public airstrips or car ferries, you reach the islands by ferries and charter boats, keeping crowds low.
Mild Mediterranean weather around mid-18°C air supports year-round trips with shifting wildlife and viz.
25 linked spots
Best time to go
August to October
Warmest water, more frequent calm seas, and some of the best underwater visibility of the year, with water often around 18°C to 20°C.
Main caution: Cooler, wetter months with winter storms and stronger winds; trips still run but are more likely to be canceled or rerouted.
