This expedition venture’s to the west coast of America, and to one of the most famous states, California. Just off the coast of Los Angeles lies the Channel islands.
A unique and diverse chain of islands running north to south. We concentrate our expeditions mainly in the southern islands from Santa Barbara to Catalina Island.
Giant Kelp forests are everywhere around the island rising up from 25ft-65ft on the bottom up to the surface. Current can often be gauged by looked down at the kelp from a boat. Large Bat rays are often sitting in the sand near the kelp.
Giant sea bass are most often seen east of Two Harbors on the frontside of the island, at 40-70ft deep. Angel sharks are found in the sand, near where the kelp/reef ends - often at 90-100ft deep
Mantis shrimp - live in large holes in the sand, 50-80ft deep. Near Little Gibraltar is a good place. Octopus can be found in many crevices at 20-40ft deep. Moray Eels are in cracks and crevices 30-45ft deep, especially on the frontside. Horn sharks & Leopard sharks are often seen.
Sea fans & Anemones adorn many dive sites, and Farnsworth Banks has purple hydrocoral. Harbor Seals can be found in shallow water in the kelp, and Garibaldi & Sheephead are found everywhere, as arae Blue-banded Gobies. Zebra gobies are harder to find and a rare treat. Spanish shawl Nudibranchs are found on most rocky reefs, and other nudibranchs are more seasonal.
The Spectre Dive Boat is widely regarded as one of the premier dive vessels operating out of Ventura and a favorite among experienced California divers. Purpose-built for scuba diving, Spectre offers a stable, comfortable platform ideal for trips to the Channel Islands, including Anacapa and Santa Cruz.
The boat is well laid out with ample deck space, easy water entry and exits, hot showers, and comfortable indoor seating — all big pluses after cold-water dives in kelp forests.
What really sets Spectre apart is the crew.
The captains and deckhands are highly experienced, professional, and genuinely passionate about diving the Channel Islands. They know the sites intimately and consistently choose locations based on conditions to maximize safety, visibility, and marine life encounters. From thick kelp forests and playful sea lions to dramatic reefs and excellent surface intervals, diving with Spectre is efficient, relaxed, and very well run.
t’s an excellent choice for divers who want reliable operations, great logistics, and outstanding Channel Islands diving.
Staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort is a fantastic choice for guests diving the Channel Islands with Spectre or other local charter operators. Located right on Ventura Harbor, this hotel puts you just minutes from dive boat departures, making early mornings and gear logistics easy.
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a pool — perfect for relaxing between dives. After a day on the water, guests can stroll the waterfront boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood at nearby restaurants, or watch the sunset over the harbor from the hotel’s outdoor spaces.
Its convenient location, good service, and relaxed harbor atmosphere make the Four Points a practical and welcoming base for your diving adventure in Southern California.
The easiest way for guests to access the Channel Islands dive boats is by flying into Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), or Santa Barbara (SBA) Airports. From these major gateways, Ventura is a straightforward drive and puts you within easy reach of Ventura Harbor, where most dive boats depart — including the Spectre.
✈ Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — A major international hub with flights from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond. It’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Ventura depending on traffic.
✈ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) — A smaller, less congested airport in the Los Angeles area with many domestic flights; a similar drive time to Ventura.
✈ Long Beach Airport (LGB) — Convenient for Westside and Orange County travelers, with easy access to Ventura via coastal highways.
✈ Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) — Closest airport geographically to Ventura (about 30–40 minutes north), making it a great choice if flight options line up—you’ll spend less time in a car and more time diving.
Car rentals or private transfers from any of these airports to Ventura are easy to arrange and give you flexibility with dive schedules and gear.
Plan to arrive the day before your first dive day so you can settle in, assemble equipment, and rest up for an early boat departure.
If coming from outside the U.S., connecting flights through LAX are often the most reliable for international carriers.
