California's Channel Islands are a great place for snorkeling. There are many aquatic animals that live on these islands, including harbor seals and California sea lions. These animals can be found in Santa Cruz Channel Islands. Sea lions are not the only marine creature you will see, but Garibaldi is the name for a huge goldfish.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, located off the coast of southern California, is home to many species of wildlife and an excellent snorkeling spot. The ferry from Ventura and Island Packers will take you to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island as a first stop on your trip to Channel Islands. This island is home of a historic lighthouse that offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife.
Anacapa was the scene of a WWII torpedo-bomber crash landing on it in the early '50s. This happened while it was training. Thankfully, no one was killed and the plane remains upright in the sea, 120 feet below. Here you can snorkel and view sea lions and kelp as well as other marine life. Although visibility is usually 20-60 feet, conditions are often poor at this location.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is home to a variety of marine species that can be seen through its crystal-clear waters. The island is home to many marine species including turtles, sharks, and even elephant seals. The island also has five miles long hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Although the island lies on a cliff edge, the water there is warm enough for snorkeling and swimming. The island can experience strong winds so visitors should be ready for them.
An incredible variety of marine species are found in the Channel Islands. Common sightings include leopard sharks, California's sea lions, and harbor seals. The underwater world is fascinating as kelp forests have formed giant forests that are home to more than 800 species of marine life. Two currents support these unique ecosystems: the California Current as well as the Davidson Countercurrent. The confluence of these currents results in a spectacular variety of marine species.
Gull Island
Gull Island, California is one of the top snorkeling destinations. This tiny rock island, which is about a mile off the coast, is a Marine Protected Area. There is excellent diving around the island, with visibility of up to 100 feet and depths from 20 to 110ft. The underwater landscape is full of rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral, and invertebrates. The Guardian plane's wreckage can also be explored close to the island.
Gull Island hosts eleven species, including nesting shorebirds. In fact, 99 percent Southern California shorebirds are found in the Channel Islands. It is a great nesting site that is protected from predators and humans.
Santa Barbara Island
If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, Santa Barbara Island is a great place to visit. It is home to kelp forests and underwater arches as well as rocky reefs. The island's diverse ecosystem supports many kinds of marine life including schools of fish, gorgonians and invertebrates. Many excellent dive spots are available on the island, one of which is very popular among professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is a small island of approximately one-square mile. It is part and parcel of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is approximately 55 miles north from Ventura and 48 mi southwest of Catalina Island. It is a popular snorkeling destination because of its crystal clear waters and variety of marine life.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island, an island channel in the Pacific Ocean, is popular for snorkeling and diving. The large reefs and kelpbeds of the southeast portion of the island are a highlight. There are several types of reefs: low-lying rocky ones and outcroppings high enough to support mini walls. These reefs support many marine species, including lobster and fish, because of their unique structure. There are also gorgonians and other invertebrates.
The water temperature in summer is warm and pleasant, but it can get chilly in winter. Layers are recommended, as well as a light sweater or jacket. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.