Re: Channel Islands off So Cal
Yes, been to most all of them some many times. The ones you mentioned are the northern islands making up the national park. Channel Islands National Park. There is access to a couple of them through a company called Island Packers. They arange tours, kayak trips at the islands and I think overnighters on one of the islandsI used to be an avid diver and have enjoyed all the Islands you mentioned many times. The Island Packer outfit is out of Ventura Harbor and there are a number of charter boats there as well. Santa Barbara Harbor also runs boats to the islands. Truth Aquatics has three dive boats that visit frequently. You can also visit Santa Catalina Island out of the Los Angeles area. This island is most developed and has an interesting small town called Avalon. Hotels and eateries abound at Avalon. This island belonged to the Wrigleys years ago but I think it was donated in part to the Catalina Island Concervancy or at least its ran by them. This area has a zoo, golf a small airport. There are tours, glass bottom boats, charter fishing boats and there is a large fishing grounds behind the island and to the south. Feel free to ask if you need more stuff to consider. Oh yes to get there the Catalina Express is the most popular transportation to the island.
Bill
We left from Long Beach about sunrise while it was still calm.