California's Channel Islands offer great snorkeling spots. These islands host many aquatic species, including California sea Lions, harbor Seals, Leopard Sharks, as well as other animals like leopard sharks. The Santa Cruz Channel Islands are also a great place to see these creatures. In addition to seeing sea lions and other marine creatures, you can also see giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, located off the coast of southern California, is home to many species of wildlife and an excellent snorkeling spot. You can reach Anacapa by taking the ferry from Ventura or Island Packers. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island as a first stop on your trip to Channel Islands. This island is home to a historic lighthouse and great opportunities to observe wildlife.
In the early '50s, a WWII torpedo bomber crashed on Anacapa while on a training mission. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. The plane can still be seen floating in the water about 120 feet below. You can snorkel here and see sea lions, kelp, and other marine life. However, visibility here is often between 20-60'.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island allows visitors to see the marine life in the clear, clean water. The island is home to many marine species including turtles, sharks, and even elephant seals. The island is also home to five miles of hiking trails, which offer stunning ocean views. Although the island lies on a cliff edge, the water there is warm enough for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors should be prepared for the strong winds that can occur on the island.
The Channel Islands are home to an incredible array of marine species. Common sightings include leopard sharks, California's sea lions, and harbor seals. The underwater world is beautiful because kelp forests are home to over 800 species of marine life. These two currents provide support for these unique ecosystems, the California Current (and the Davidson Countercurrent). The resulting confluence of the two currents allows for a stunning variety of marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island is the best spot for snorkeling in California. The small island of rock is located about one mile off the coast and is protected by the Marine Protected Area. Excellent diving is possible all around the island. The visibility is great and you can dive to depths up to 110'. The underwater landscape is full of rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral, and invertebrates. You can also explore the wreck of the Guardian plane, which is close to the island.
Gull Island also has eleven species nesting shorebirds. In fact, the Channel Islands are home to 99 percent of the Southern California shorebird population. Its isolation makes it an ideal nesting location without human disturbance or predators.
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 diverse ecosystem supports many types and species of marine wildlife, including large schools, gorgonians and other invertebrates. There are many excellent dive locations around the island. One is particularly popular among professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is a one-square-mile island that is part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is approximately 55 miles north from Ventura and 48 mi southwest of Catalina Island. Because of its clear water and abundance of marine life, it's a popular destination for snorkeling.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is a channel islands in the Pacific Ocean that offers snorkeling and scuba diving. Large reefs can be found on the southeast side of the island, as well as kelp bed. There are many types of reefs, including low-lying rock reefs and large outcroppings of rocky material with small walls. Because of this structure, they support a wide variety of marine life, including many fish and lobster. 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. Layers, or a light sweater, or jacket are recommended. They have warm water throughout most of the year but can also get some rain.