If you're looking for a great place to go snorkeling, consider the Channel Islands in California. These islands are home for many aquatic creatures, including California sea-lions, harbor seals, leopard sharks, and other marine animals. These creatures can also been seen at Santa Cruz Channel Islands. In addition to seeing sea lions and other marine creatures, you can also see giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island lies off the California coast and is home of a wide variety of wildlife. It's also a great spot for snorkeling. Take the ferry from Ventura, Island Packers to reach Anacapa. If you are going on your first trip to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service recommends visiting Anacapa Island. This island is home to a historic lighthouse and great opportunities to observe wildlife.
Anacapa was struck by a WWII-era torpedo aircraft in the early 1950s. It was being trained for a mission. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the plane still sits upright in the water, about 120 feet below. Here, you can snorkel with sea lions or kelp and other marine life. However, visibility here is often between 20-60'.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island visitors can see the marine life through the crystal clear water. The island is home to many marine species including turtles, sharks, and even elephant seals. Five miles of hiking trails provide breathtaking ocean views. The island is a cliff-shaped island but the water is still warm enough to swim and snorkel. It is possible for strong winds to blow on the island so be prepared.
The Channel Islands are home to an incredible array of marine species. There are many sightings of leopard sharks and California sea lions. The underwater world is fascinating as kelp forests have formed giant forests that are home to more than 800 species of marine life. These unique ecosystems are supported by two currents, the California Current and the Davidson Countercurrent. This confluence allows for an amazing variety of marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island is the best spot for snorkeling in California. Gull Island, a small rock island located approximately a mile offshore, is a Marine Protected Area. You'll find excellent diving all around the island with depths ranging from 20' to 110' and excellent visibility. The underwater landscape is filled with rocky corals, purple hydrocorals, and invertebrates. The wreckage of the Guardian plane can be viewed close by.
Gull Island will also be home to 11 species of nesting shorebirds. The Channel Islands actually house 99 percent of Southern California's shorebird population. Its isolation makes it an ideal nesting location without human disturbance or predators.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is the perfect place for those who love to dive or snorkel. The island is home to kelp forests, underwater arches, and rocky reefs. Its diverse ecosystem supports many species of marine life, including gorgonians, large schools of fish 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's located about 55 miles north of Ventura, and 48 miles southwest from Catalina Island. Because of its clear water and abundance of marine life, it's a popular destination for snorkeling.
Santa Rosa Island
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Santa Rosa Island, a channel island in the Pacific Ocean. Large reefs and kelp beds are found in the southeast corner of the island. There are several types of reefs: low-lying rocky ones and outcroppings high enough to support mini walls. They are home to a variety of marine life including fish and lobster, thanks to their structure. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
The water temperature is pleasant and generally warm during the summer months. It can, however, be cold in the winter. You should wear layers or a light-weight sweater or jacket. The islands have warm water all year long, but can also receive rain.