California's Channel Islands are one of the last untouched, undeveloped areas of the world. The Islands are comprised of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, extending for about 160 miles from Point Conception to San Diego, the most famous and well-populated island being Santa Catalina Island. Dive sites are all over these islands and the captain picks 'em as we go based on sea and wind conditions.

Map Courtesy of Truth Aquatics

Five of the Islands fall within the boundaries of Channel Islands National Park including San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. San Miguel has the distinction of supporting five species of seals and sea lions, more than anywhere else in the North Pacific. The Channel Islands are truly an experience in untouched natural beauty; incorporating hundreds of miles of unspoiled island coastlines and species of wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Each individual island has its own charm, lore, wildlife and geography.

When cruising the waters around the Channel Islands, you'll behold the natural beauty of rugged peaks and precipitous cliffs, sea water spraying to the heavens from naturally formed island blowholes and see island shores teeming with breeding colonies of sea birds, seals and sea lions. On the return trip to Santa Barbara it is common to encounter Grey, Humpback, and Blue whales. Bring plenty of film on these trips.