Anacapa Diving

[jacek_smits]

Diving at Anacapa Island is generally wonderful. I was there on the 19th and the 26th of this month. The 19th we had good visibility, calm 62 degree water and beautiful diving. Yesterday, the 26th, it was completely green, 58 degrees, a bit of current, 8-10 feet visibility and very dark at 50 feet. An unusually late plankton bloom. I'd say the best period of diving at Anacapa is a little bit later (August through October). It's a little more consistently good that time, but I dive there year round and always enjoy it. The north side of Anacapa is all nature preserve and it shows. Lots of wild life and a lot of variety. My favorite spot is probably Cathedral Gardens, just west of Landing Cove which is also a good spot. There's a lot of kelp there that attracts an amazing variety of life. On the south side there are several good spots as well: Cat Rock, Channels and Underwater Island. If you haven't been there yet it's definitely worth a trip, probably several to see the different spots and the variety it has to offer. Peace Boat takes about an hour and 45 minutes, Spectre is a little faster than that. I think it's about 14 miles.

Jacek

 

[EricJ]

I second the recommendations of either The Peace or The Spectre. Both of these dive boats allow you to sleep on the boat the evening before your dive. They both offer inexpensive weekday deals as well.

More info is available at Cal Boat Diving.

I just went diving on the Yukon and Ruby in San Diego. The temp was 52. Anacapa was 58 just about a month ago. I've found the temperature in Anacapa to be typically in the high 50's to low 60's.

Anacapa also features very safe, conservative diving. Sites are typically in coves and the depth is usually between 30 and 60 feet.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

My favorite spot is probably Cathedral Gardens, just west of Landing Cove which is also a good spot. There's a lot of kelp there that attracts an amazing variety of life.Jacek

I second that. Cathedral Gardens is awesome. Dove this spot off the Peace about a month ago.

 

[alexferr]

Saw a repeat of a Huell Howser show on Anacapa Island. Looks like a gorgeous place. Clear water, amazing structures (big ol' arch and stuff). I've pretty much disregarded the northern Channel Islands up until now, since the drive up to Ventura is a pretty long haul for me. But after seeing the special I'm intrigued.

Could someone describe the diving there? I assume it takes like an hour to get there from Ventura? Do most LA folks stay overnight the night before? Will I get to see Huell when I get there?

I already get on board of the Spectre (one time) and the Peace (3 times), the both have a hot tub!!! cool after 3 cold dives to get warmed up. I had prefer much more all stuff on the Peace: best bunks, good tanks and weights rentals, very friendly crew (which really deserves it tips) and good food. The point I didn't like on the Spectre: the engine location makes the stern noisy and gas smelly, arrghh.

So I storgly recommend the Peace!

Alex