Californian kelp forest

It looks like I might be able to squeeze a days diving into our itinerary in mid-July and I'd like to see/photograph some kelp forest.

We were going to go to Monterey but perhaps we'd be better spending a couple of nights at Catalina Island. Is a day trip to the Channel Islands out of Ventura an option ?

My understanding is that bringing my drysuit would be a good idea for Monterey but a rental wetsuit would be OK for Catalina. Is that correct ?

Any suggestions or recommendations ?

Steve.

Last year was a bad year for kelp. We had a lot of kelp loss in San Diego and at Catalina. This year it should come back with somewhat colder water. You are correct in planning to dive with the wet suit on Catalina in July. It would actually be ok even further north, if you are not too cold- sensitive. A one day trip to Channel Islands out of Ventura is doable. There are a couple of boats - Peace and Truth as far as I recall were very good.

Have fun.