If you're looking for a great place to go snorkeling, consider the Channel Islands in California. These islands host many aquatic species, including California sea Lions, harbor Seals, Leopard Sharks, as well as other animals like leopard sharks. You can also see these animals in the Santa Cruz Channel Islands. Apart from sea lions and marine creatures, Garibaldi is a giant goldfish.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, located off the coast of southern California, is home to many species of wildlife and an excellent snorkeling spot. By ferry from Ventura or Island Packers, you can get to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island to anyone making their first trip to the Channel Islands. 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, nobody was hurt. The plane sits upright in water around 120 feet below. Here, you can snorkel with sea lions or kelp and other marine life. Although visibility is usually 20-60 feet, conditions are often poor at this location.
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. There are five miles worth of hiking trails that take you to the island, offering stunning views of the ocean. The island is a cliff-shaped island but the water is still warm enough to swim and snorkel. Be prepared for strong winds on the island.
A wide variety of marine species can be found in the Channel Islands. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and leopard sharks are among the many common sightings. It is amazing to see the underwater world. Kelp forests have created huge forests that support more than 800 species marine life. Two currents help to support these unique ecosystems - the California Current and Davidson Countercurrent. The result of these two currents is a remarkable variety of marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island, California is one of the top snorkeling destinations. 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'. The underwater landscape is filled with rocky corals, purple hydrocorals, and invertebrates. It is also possible to explore the wreckage of the Guardian aircraft, located close to the island.
Gull Island also has eleven species nesting shorebirds. The Channel Islands contain 99 percent of Southern California's shorebird populations. Their isolation provides ideal nesting habitats without predators or human disturbance.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is great for snorkeling and diving. 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. You will find many great dive spots on the island, some of them popular with professionals.
Santa Barbara Island (one-square-mile) is an island that forms part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is located approximately 56 miles north-west of Ventura Island and 48 miles southwest Catalina Island. It is popular for its variety of marine life and clear waters.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is an island channel in Pacific Ocean. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular on the island. The large reefs and kelpbeds of the southeast portion of the island are a highlight. There are many types of reefs, including low-lying rock reefs and large outcroppings of rocky material with small walls. The structure of the reefs supports many species of marine life, including fish and lobster. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
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. They have warm water throughout most of the year but can also get some rain.