If you're looking for a great place to go snorkeling, consider the Channel Islands in California. These islands are home to various aquatic creatures including California sea lions, harbor seals, and leopard sharks. 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
Located off the southern California coast, Anacapa Island is home to a variety of wildlife and a great snorkeling site. By ferry from Ventura or Island Packers, you can get to Anacapa. If you are going on your first trip to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service recommends visiting Anacapa Island. This island boasts a historic lighthouse as well as great opportunities to spot wildlife.
A WWII torpedo bomber was on a training mission when it crashed into Anacapa in the 1950s. Thankfully, no one was killed and the plane remains upright in the sea, 120 feet below. Here, you can snorkel with sea lions or kelp and other marine life. However, visibility can be as low as 20-60ft.
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. There are five miles worth of hiking trails that take you to the island, offering stunning views of the ocean. Although the island is a cliff, the water is safe enough to swim or snorkel. The island can experience strong winds so visitors should be ready for them.
There are many marine species in the Channel Islands. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and leopard sharks are among the many common sightings. Amazing underwater life is possible because of the kelp forests, which have created giant forests that house more than 800 species. These unique ecosystems are supported both by the California Current, and 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 island made of rocks is just a mile from the coast. It is also 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 rich in rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral and invertebrates. The Guardian plane's wreckage can also be explored close to the island.
Gull Island is home to eleven species of nesting shorebirds as well as seabirds. 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. The island is home to kelp forests, underwater arches, and rocky reefs. Its diverse ecosystem supports many types of marine life, including large schools of fish, gorgonians, and invertebrates. The island has many excellent dive sites, including one that is highly regarded by professionals.
Santa Barbara Island, a 1-square-mile island, is part of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is approximately 55 miles north from Ventura and 48 mi southwest of Catalina Island. It is known for its beautiful waters and diverse marine life.
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 many types of reefs, including low-lying rock reefs and large outcroppings of rocky material with small walls. These reefs support many marine species, including lobster and fish, because of their unique structure. Invertebrates can also be found here, such as gorgonians.
The water temperature is usually warm and pleasant in the summer months. However, it can get cold in the winter. Layers or a lightweight sweater or jacket are recommended. They have warm water throughout most of the year but can also get some rain.