Tag Archives: Featured

Crossing the Channel Islands – Anacapa

A dive trip to the Anacapa Island this past weekend with friends (Sara, Goy, Non, Ning) to say farewell to our good  friend, Tawin Yavapolkul, who will soon return back to Thailand. I have to say of the times I’ve been to the Channel Islands, this trip was the best diving conditions I’ve seen. At least 100ft visibility, 68 degrees, and minimal currents. Overall 3 dives (1 at the Goldfish Bowl, and 2 at the Cathedral Cove) with the best dive being the last when playful seals gave us a show of a lifetime.

Anacapa-0013The island’s name was derived from its Chumash Native American Indian name Anypakh. Seeming to change shape in the summer fog or afternoon heat, the three islets of Anacapa look like an island of deception or a mirage.

Curious seal swiming towards us.
Curious seal swiming towards us.

The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. The raucous barking of sea lions can be heard from most areas of the island. Two overlooks (Cathedral Cove and Pinniped Point) provide excellent spots to look down on seals and sea lions in the island coves.  Anacapa’s rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close.

Avalon Dive Park, Catalina Island

The waters long the coast of California is abnormally warmer than usual.  I was told that the kelp forest are gone or dying, but its expected around this time of the year.  For months, we’ve been trying to schedule a get together to dive in Avalon.  After finalizing, 5 diving buddies (Non, Goy, Sara, Kevin, Richard) and my newly certified brother (Jimmy) spent the weekend in Catalina Island.  This weekend also marks the start of Lobster season and every charter I can think of was sold out. While the rest of the world was crazed bug catching fever–we choose to escape it.

To our surprise upon dive #1 entry, the kelp forest were truly gone. What remains was nothing like I am used to. On top of this, the visibility was at least 50-60ft, no currents, high tide making entry easy. Great Conditions!! We did 5 total dives including 1 night dive seeing so much including bat rays, giant black sea bass, octopuses, moray eels, lobsters, abalone, and so on.