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. You can also see these animals in the Santa Cruz Channel Islands. In addition to seeing sea lions and other marine creatures, you can also see giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Located off the southern California coast, Anacapa Island is home to a variety of wildlife and a great snorkeling site. The ferry from Ventura and Island Packers will take you to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island for anyone who is making their first visit to the Channel Islands. This island offers great opportunities to view wildlife and is home to an historic lighthouse.
Anacapa was hit by a WWII torpedo plane in the 1950s while it was on a training mission. The plane is still upright in the water 120 feet below, and no one was injured. You can snorkel at this site and you'll see sea lions and other marine creatures. However, visibility here is often between 20-60'.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore the marine life through the clear waters. Many marine species are found on the island, including sharks, turtles, and elephant seals. Five miles of hiking trails offer breathtaking views and five miles of coastline. Although the island is a cliff island, its water is warm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Be prepared for strong winds on the island.
The Channel Islands house a remarkable 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). This confluence allows for an amazing variety of marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in California. This small rock island is only about a mile offshore and is a Marine Protected Area. It offers great diving with visibility and depths between 20' and 110'. You will find a variety of underwater life, including rocky reefs and purple hydrocoral. The Guardian plane's wreckage can also be explored close to the island.
Gull Island will also be home to 11 species of 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
Santa Barbara Island is great for snorkeling and diving. The island is home to kelp forests, underwater arches, and rocky reefs. The island's diverse ecosystem supports many kinds of marine life including schools of fish, gorgonians and invertebrates. There are several excellent dive sites around the island, including one that is popular with 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 known for its beautiful waters and diverse marine life.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island, an island channel in the Pacific Ocean, is popular for snorkeling and diving. Large reefs and kelp beds are found in the southeast corner of the island. The reefs are of different types, including low-lying rocky reefs and large rocky outcroppings with mini walls. They are home to a variety of marine life including fish and lobster, thanks to their structure. You will also find invertebrates like gorgonians.
The water temperature is pleasant and generally warm during the summer months. It can, however, be cold in the winter. Layers and a lightweight jacket or sweater are best. Although the islands are blessed with warm water all year round, they can also experience rain.