Safety · Destination Guide
Cold water kelp forests, sea caves, and wild islands close to California yet worlds apart
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 7 sources
The Channel Islands combine remote terrain, cold water, and limited services with a highly protected marine environment. Solid trip planning, conservative in water decisions, and respect for marine protected areas are essential. Treat every island day as a self reliant outing supported only by your boat operator and what you bring.
Cold water, surge, and boat based logistics shape dive safety here. Plan dives conservatively for your certification level and experience, use computers suited to cold water multi day profiles, and build extra gas reserves for kelp entanglement or surface swims. Always carry an SMB, whistle, and cutting tool, and agree on lost buddy and lost diver procedures with your team and crew before the first dive. Outer island dives can feature strong currents, breaking swell, and limited exit points. When diving sea caves, arches, or surge channels, be sure you have overhead training and that the captain is comfortable with the plan. Freedivers should run full safety protocols, including proper surface intervals and a dedicated safety diver on each deep or challenging dive.
There are no hospitals, pharmacies, or full time medical clinics on the islands. Minor issues are handled with first aid supplies from your group or boat, while serious problems require evacuation to mainland facilities in Ventura, Santa Barbara, or Los Angeles by ferry, charter, or Coast Guard assets. For dive related emergencies, contact local emergency services first, then the Divers Alert Network emergency hotline at +1-919-684-9111 for specialist advice and coordination. Regional hyperbaric facilities typically operate on a call out basis and are accessed via EMS, Coast Guard, or DAN rather than direct walk in visits. Consider carrying DAN coverage and travel insurance that explicitly covers remote evacuation and hyperbaric treatment.
Cold water and exposure
Ocean temperatures can drop into the low 11°C range in winter and remain cool in summer, especially at outer islands. Combine that with wind on boats and exposed ridgelines and it is easy to become chilled or mildly hypothermic. Bring proper exposure protection for water and land, including hats, gloves, and windproof layers.
Rough seas, wind, and motion sickness
The Santa Barbara Channel funnels wind and swell, especially in spring and winter. Crossings to outer islands like Santa Rosa and San Miguel can be long and bumpy, and even nearshore Anacapa trips see chop and spray. Seasickness medication, hydration, light meals, and flexible itineraries are essential.
Protected wildlife and strict no take zones
Many coves and reefs lie inside state and federal marine reserves where taking or disturbing marine life and cultural resources is illegal, with significant penalties. Even in conservation areas that allow limited fishing, gear restrictions and species rules are complex. Always study current regulations before bringing spear guns or fishing gear.
The Channel Islands are a showcase for marine conservation. Thirteen state and federal marine protected areas surround the islands, including extensive no take reserves where all extraction is banned. These zones, coupled with the broader Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, have increased biomass and biodiversity, making them excellent living laboratories for divers. Respect protection by never taking souvenirs, shells, or rocks, avoiding contact with marine life and kelp holdfasts, and maintaining wide buffers around marine mammals and seabird colonies. On land, stay on established trails to protect fragile soils and endemic plants, secure all food against island foxes and ravens, and follow Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything you bring.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when cold water and exposure. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divers Alert Network Emergency Hotline | Dive medicine advice and evacuation coordination | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7 for diving emergencies worldwide. |
| Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center | Park information and non emergency ranger contact | +1-805-658-5730 | Typically daily during business hours; check park site for current schedule. |
| Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Office | Sanctuary regulations, incident reporting, and boater guidance | +1-805-699-5422 | Business hours, Monday to Friday; voicemail and online resources outside these times. |
| Regional hyperbaric chamber (via Coast Guard or DAN) | Recompression facilities for dive emergencies | Arrange access through local EMS, US Coast Guard on VHF 16, or DAN hotline | On call 24/7 for diving emergencies; not a walk in clinic. |