Book Your Stay
Discover a beautiful, underwater world.
Known to be a diver’s playground, Channel Islands National Park offers a unique and memorable scuba diving experience. The Channel Islands are one of the best places for scuba diving in California with ample marine life, giant kelp forests, sea lions, and more. Diving along the Southern California coast and the Channel Islands should be on every diver’s bucket list when visiting Ventura County Coast!
What Is A Kelp Forest?
Kelp is a type of seaweed or marine algae that attaches holdfasts (root-like structures) to anchor itself to the rocky seafloor and grows toward the water’s surface. Some species can reach heights underwater of 150 feet and can even grow up to 18 inches per day!
There are more than 1,000 species of marine plants and animals that call the kelp forests their home. Not only does the thick kelp canopy act as a shelter from predators, it also protects creatures during storms because the kelp helps weaken currents and waves. While kelp can live up to seven years, the weather plays an important factor since strong winter storms can easily uproot it and wash it ashore.
For many scuba divers and underwater photographers, these kelp forests are known as favorite destinations that offer opportunities to observe the unique collection of marine life found only at the Channel Islands.
First-Time Diving Information:
Is Scuba Diving Safe?
Like any adventure sport, there is some risk involved. However, as long as a diver goes through thorough training, follows safe diving guidelines, uses proper gear, and dives within their experience level, it is relatively safe.
Do I need to be certified to dive in California?
No. Ventura Dive & Sport offers the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program, which includes training in a heated pool and practice dives to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Ventura Dive provides training for all levels, from beginners to instructors.
How can I become a certified diver?
You can take the PADI Open Water Diver Course through Ventura Dive & Sport, which consists of knowledge development sessions and the required number of dives, materials, and equipment. The course is flexible and performance based. It’s possible to complete your confined and open-water dives in as few as three or four days if you read the manual and watch the training video ahead of time.
Do I need to purchase my own equipment or can I rent it?
Most places will have equipment available to rent. We recommend checking their website or calling to confirm.
What is the minimum age requirement to take diving lessons from a PADI instructor?
10 years old.
Do I need to be an athlete to go diving?
No. As long as you are healthy and can perform moderate exercise, diving is well within your reach.
What equipment do I need?
Mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device), regulator, aluminum tank, weights, and gloves.
How much does it cost to rent equipment?
It varies by place, but you can usually find a scuba package rate for $45 to $80.
Start planning out your scuba diving trip now and get ready to explore the beautiful Channel Islands Kelp Forest. Peace Dive Boat, Channel Islands Dive Adventures, Ventura Dive & Sport and The Spectre Dive Boat offer everything you need for your diving adventure!
Plan Your Visit
Find hotels and places to stay in Ventura County
Get travel inspiration with our guide to site seeing and fun things to do
Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!
