California Snorkeling

Welcome to the best California Snorkeling

Summary: Snorkeling across the waters of Catalina is the best California snorkeling experience

Snorkeling across the waters of Catalina is indeed the best California snorkeling experience. Those who have come across Catalina's beautiful underwater paradise always vouch for this. The warm tropical waters native to the country and the freezing cold waters from the arctic come together at the Channel Islands to form a unique underwater habitat where more than 1,000 plant and animal species thrive. Swim a couple of yards from the shore and see the superb diversity of sea life, and that's just in the first 60 ft. of depth. Add that to the fact that lowest visibility averages around 50 ft (normally it is higher than 50ft), and you'll start to understand why divers and snorkelers make regular pilgrimages to Catalina Islands.

Santa Catalina Island is part of the eight island chain called the Channel Islands of California or also called the Santa Barbara Island. The Channel Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California along the Santa Barbara Channel in the United States. In the last decade, five of the islands were made into the Channel Islands National Park, with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompassing 60% of its enclosure. Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement—the resort city of Avalon, California.

Lover's Cove is a short walk east from Avalon. This protected marine preserve is an excellent area for snorkeling. Some glass bottom boats cruise there to feed the fish, making the Lover’s Cove resident fishes unnaturally tame. So tame are the fishes there that you could actually pat them and feed them by hand. Within easy swimming distance of the Cove, snorkelers can get great views of sea urchins, sea stars and shimmering schools of garibaldi fish that hover close to shore. You can also expect occasional visits from playful California sea lions that swim up from the Southeast Sea Lion Rookery. In the summer snorkels and fins can be rented, and fish food purchased, at the Cove Cooler. Descanso Beach is also a good snorkeling area. They also cater to food, drinks and equipment needs.

Snorkeling Catalina is a mainstay in guided tours for California snorkeling. They offer a 2 hour snorkeling trip package aboard their custom built 20 foot Caribe. This exciting snorkeling adventure leaves daily at 9:00 am, 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, and 4:00 pm and is limited to only six passengers. This California snorkeling package will include Masks, Fins, Snorkel, Wet Suit and some instructions. Prices for adults are estimated around $47.50, $42.50 for children under 13, and $30 for accompanying riders.