Welcome from Central Valley diver. Have not done Monterey or any "tropic" waters
. Spend most of my time diving the coast farther south. Have done the channel islands off Ventura, Catalina Island, and off San Diego. Great diversity of not only 'critters' but water temps also.
Next trip is booked for Anacapa &/or Santa Cruz with dive boat Spectre out of Ventura on Memorial weekend.