Compared to mainland national parks, the Channel Islands National Park is seen by few visitors. The underwater part of the Channel Islands National Park is seen by even fewer lucky people. Because the water around the islands is rather cool (55-65 degrees) not many people are willing to put on a mask and snorkle and view the underwater world. However, from the week after Memorial Day through the week of Labor Day, a scuba diving team based at Anacapa Island, will take visitors on a virtual dive through the kelp forest with the use of modern technology. Divers are connected to a cable with voice communication to the surface, and one diver carries a video camera that is also connected to several large surface monitors. Visitors can sit high and dry at the Landing Cove dock and see the underwater world while divers exlplain the marine life they are encountering during a real time dive.

The "Live Dive" is also interactive. Visitors topside can speak with the divers through a microphone system, ask a question, and get a response from the divers. Currently this program is offered for island guests on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at 2:00p.m. The presentation is about 30 minutes long. Check with your reservation assistant about seeing the "Live Dive " program during your Anacapa visit, there is no additional charge for this program.