California's Channel Islands are a great place for snorkeling. There are many aquatic animals that live on these islands, including harbor seals and California sea lions. These animals can be found in 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, off the coast of Southern California, is home a wide range of wildlife as well as a wonderful snorkeling location. By ferry from Ventura or Island Packers, you can get to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island if you're making your first trip to 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. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. The plane can still be seen floating in the water about 120 feet below. You can snorkel at this site and you'll see sea lions and other marine creatures. The visibility is 20-60ft at this site, but conditions can be difficult.
Santa Cruz Island
Visitors to Santa Cruz Island can explore the marine life, which can be seen through the crystal clear water. There are many marine species on the island including turtles and sharks as well as elephant seals. The island is also home to five miles of hiking trails, which offer stunning ocean views. 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.
The Channel Islands house a remarkable array of marine species. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and leopard sharks are among the many common sightings. The underwater world is fascinating as kelp forests have formed giant forests that are home to more than 800 species of marine life. These two currents provide support for these unique ecosystems, the California Current (and the Davidson Countercurrent). These two currents create a confluence that allows for amazing 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. There is excellent diving around the island, with visibility of up to 100 feet and depths from 20 to 110ft. The underwater landscape is rich in rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral and invertebrates. You can also explore the wreck of the Guardian plane, which is close to the island.
Gull Island is home to eleven species of nesting shorebirds as well as seabirds. In fact, 99 per cent of Southern California's shorebirds call the Channel Islands home. They are a perfect nesting area, free from predators and human disturbance.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is the perfect place for those who love to dive or snorkel. It is home to kelp forests and underwater arches as well as 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 (one-square-mile) is an island that forms part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is approximately 55 miles north from Ventura and 48 mi southwest of Catalina Island. It is a popular snorkeling destination because of its crystal clear waters and variety of marine life.
Santa Rosa Island
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Santa Rosa Island, a channel island in the Pacific Ocean. 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. These are also home to invertebrates such as 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. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.