The northern Channel islands(san miguel, santa cruz, santa rosa and anacapa) offer a beautiful dive environment for those divers not afraid of a little chillier water. Magnificent kelp forests, glowing girabaldis, and playful sea lions are sure to delight, and are a nice change from coarl reefs. Historicaly, the islands were the home of Chumash indians, the novel island of the blue dolphin is based on santa cruz island, currently, santa cruz has 9 working ranches, 10% of the island is owned and opperated by the national park service.
The southern channel islands(santa barbara, san clemente, san nicholas, santa catalina) offer similar sea life to the northern islands, but as they are in a different current than the northern channel islands, often have sea life from mexico and more warm water fish. Catalina is a 45 min. ride from L.A.
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Click on a picture to view...
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Spanish Shawl hanging on for dear life in the surge.
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Hermissenda crassicornis nudibranch
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Hilton's nudibranch, Phidiana hiltoni
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Tritonia festiva nudibranch
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The famed Flabellina Iodinia, Spanish Shawl, of Caifornia!
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'Moon Crater', Giant Green Anemone on Santa Cruz Island
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A small Sea Lemon munching Staghorn Bryozoan
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Corynactis californica anemonies on a back drop of Cobalt Bl...
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It's Christmas Time! Christmas Tree Worm
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Phidiana hiltoni nudibranch found on San Miguel Island.
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This huge Sea Lemon was about 8 in. long, 'Anisodoris nobili...
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Camouflaged Snubnosed Sculpin, Orthonopias triacis.
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Phidiana hiltoni nudibranch.
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This 'Hermissenda crassicornis' is one of the most beautiful...
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Comb Jellies or Ctenophores are common throughout the world ...
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Coonstripe Shrimp, Pandalus gurneyi, usually hang out around...
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