Channel Islands Liveaboard Scuba Diving

Channel Island Scuba Diving 2021

Our 2021 Channel Island dates are coming soon. Dive California’s Channel Islands and discover a seasonal scuba wonderland close to home. California’s Southern Channel Islands offers the best scuba diving with the Pacific’s natural beauty the world has to offer – bar none. We have been offering affordable liveaboard dive trips for groups and private dive charters here since the early 1980’s.

Special Expedition Southern California Diving June 10-13

Every once in a while Horizon Charters puts together a dive expedition that takes you to places not normally seen in Southern California. This is one of them. Rediscover Santa Barbara, San Nicholas and SW end of San Clemente with us this June and experience California diving as it used to be, learn more here.

This expedition not only offers some of the best diving So. California has to offer, but what many consider is absolutely world class, locations we only offer to a select few because they are so unique and pristine. Please be an experienced advanced open water diver or better for this expedition.

At our dive sites you’ll scuba dive through a wonderland of sunlight, filtered by a kelp canopy of thin green-yellow splinters that illuminate the fish below. In this scuba wonderland you’ll dive with Calico Bass and Kelpfish, see swirling groups of Sardines, almost invisible against the blue sky above, and feel the slight surge that rocks the entire kelp forest gently back and forth. It is scuba diving heaven.

Dominating the scene are columns of giant kelp and rocky reefs and walls carpeted in short palm frond kelp and clusters of red algae and speckled with sponges, anemones, gorgonian and deep-water hydrocoral. Dropping down only halfway to the reefy bottom below you can navigate to shore, suspended quietly among the towering plants. Join us today!

Dive Charters in Southern California

Introduce your next group dive charter to bright individual Garibaldi and scattered schools of Blacksmith, Perch and Bass that swim busily over the California reefs while a few nocturnal Lobster and Horn Sharks seek shelter for the day in the form of holes and ledges. Scuba groups from around the globe marvel at the open sandy areas within the kelp beds, accompanied by clearings in the canopy above. For divers they sometimes seem like huge well-lit rooms in an immense shadowy building that attract large swirling schools of Jack Mackerel, sunbathing sea lions and the occasional Pacific Barracuda.

Sound good? California offers the finest diving in the world! California kelp beds, vibrant with life, offer a multitude liveaboard diving opportunities for novice to seasoned scuba divers.

Scuba Diving Seasons in California

California may not have easily recognizable liveaboard diving seasons, but on the ocean, the changing of the seasons is definite and clear. The Humboldt and Davidson currents that parallel the California coast transport cool water from the north into our Southern California waters. The cooler water stimulates the kelp forests in a cycle of regrowth at a rate of up to two feet per day.

The pelagic fish that have gathered in the summer and fall months have headed south in search of warmer Baja waters. The Channel Islands, one our favorite scuba diving destinations, settles into a winter routine with Kelp Bass, giant Sea Bass, schooling Barracuda and other perennial species. Pelagic birding in the inshore waters between California’s coast and these islands along with the “deep blue sea” offshore areas past the edge of the Continental Shelf abound with nomadic seasonal bird species. Albatross, shearwaters, terns, gulls, tropic birds, kittiwakes, jaegers, boobies and petrals are just a few species encountered.

Big Animal Diving

Marine mammals abound in the waters around the Channel Islands during the winter months. The once endangered California Gray whale passes close by enroute north and south on its 12,000 mile migration. Seals, sea lions and elephant seals also cruise the waters and haul out on the shores of these islands.

Spring’s arrival warms the water and the hearts of the ocean’s inhabitants. Seals and sea lions give birth to pups, sea bass and bat rays display dramatic mating rituals and garibaldi fish guard their nests. Massive schools of sardines and mackerel form huge biomasses and are a prelude to summer. The waters warm and soon summer is here. Pelagic fishes such as yellowtail, yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna are attracted to the islands by the endless food supply. Blue whales migrate through our waters and pods of common dolphins stretching as far as the eye can see often surround the boat.

Before you know it fall is here with some of the clearest and calmest water of the year. Water temperatures in the mid to upper 60s are delightful when combined with water clarity so great one gains the unreal sensation of flight. The seasons change and the cycle continues as it has for thousands of years. Our goal is to observe these changes while not disturbing nature’s beauty. Whichever season you choose, each offers a unique and exciting experience with nature. Our US dive crew is the most experienced dive operator in San Diego and are all federally licensed and participate in the US Coast Guard’s random drug testing program.

Channel Islands Liveaboard Scuba Diving & Lobster Opener

Highlights

Overview

Upcoming Trip Dates

Click on dates to book your trip now!

Channel Island Scuba Diving 2021

Special Expedition Southern California Diving June 10-13

Dive Charters in Southern California

Scuba Diving Seasons in California

Big Animal Diving

America’s Shark Boat

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