The Channel Islands, California is a great spot to snorkel. These islands are home for many aquatic creatures, including California sea-lions, harbor seals, leopard sharks, and other marine animals. These animals can be found in Santa Cruz Channel Islands. You can see sea lions, other marine animals, and giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is located just off the California coast. This island is home to an array of wildlife and is a great place for snorkeling. To reach Anacapa, take the ferry from Ventura (or Island Packers). If you are going on your first trip to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service recommends visiting Anacapa Island. The island has a historical lighthouse, and offers great opportunities for wildlife observation.
A WWII torpedo bomber was on a training mission when it crashed into Anacapa in the 1950s. The plane is still upright in the water 120 feet below, and no one was injured. You can snorkel here and see sea lions, 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 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 is a cliff, the water is safe enough to swim or snorkel. It is possible for strong winds to blow on the island so be prepared.
The Channel Islands house a remarkable array of marine species. There are many sightings of leopard sharks and California sea lions. The underwater world is fascinating as kelp forests have formed giant forests that are home to more than 800 species of marine life. Two currents support these unique ecosystems: the California Current as well as the Davidson Countercurrent. This confluence allows for an amazing variety of marine life.
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 full of rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral, and invertebrates. The wreckage of the Guardian plane can be viewed close by.
You'll also see eleven species of nesting shorebirds and seabirds at Gull Island. In fact, the Channel Islands are home to 99 percent of the Southern California shorebird population. The Channel Islands are ideal nesting habitats, as they are protected from predators.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is great for snorkeling and diving. You will find kelp forests, underwater arches and rocky coral reefs on the island. The diverse ecosystem supports many types and species of marine wildlife, including large schools, gorgonians and other invertebrates. Many excellent dive spots are available on the island, one of which is very popular among professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is a one-square-mile island that is part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is located approximately 55 miles north of Ventura and 48 miles 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, an island channel in the Pacific Ocean, is popular for snorkeling and diving. Large reefs can be found on the southeast side of the island, as well as kelp bed. There are many kinds of reefs. They are home to a variety of marine life including fish and lobster, thanks to their structure. You will also find invertebrates like gorgonians.
Water temperatures are generally pleasant and warm in summer, but can get colder in winter. Layers or a lightweight sweater or jacket are recommended. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.