California's Channel Islands are a great place for snorkeling. These islands house a variety of aquatic creatures such as harbor seals, California sea lions, 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
Anacapa Island lies off the California coast and is home of a wide variety of wildlife. It's also a great spot 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. This island is home to a historic lighthouse and great opportunities to observe 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. This is a great place to snorkel, where you will see sea lions, sea kelp, and many other marine animals. However, visibility here is often between 20-60'.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is home to a variety of marine species that can be seen through its crystal-clear waters. You will find many marine species here, including turtles, sharks and even 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. You should be prepared to deal with the strong winds which can sometimes occur on the Island.
An incredible variety of marine species are found in the Channel Islands. A few of the most common sightings include California sea lions and leopard sharks. 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 help to support these unique ecosystems - the California Current and Davidson Countercurrent. The confluence of these currents results in a spectacular variety of marine species.
Gull Island
Gull Island is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in California. Gull Island, a small rock island located approximately a mile offshore, 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 full of rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral, and invertebrates. You can also visit the wreckage site of the Guardian airplane, which is located near the island.
Gull Island will also be home to 11 species of nesting shorebirds. In fact, 99 per cent of Southern California's shorebirds call the Channel Islands home. It is a great nesting site that is protected from predators and humans.
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. 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, a 1-square-mile island, is part of 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 waters and diversity of marine life, it is a popular spot for snorkeling.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is a channel island in Pacific Ocean. Popular activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. Large reefs can be found on the southeast side of the island, as well as kelp bed. The reefs include rocky reefs that are low and rocky, as well as large outcroppings made of small rocks with 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 in summer is warm and pleasant, but it can get chilly in winter. Layers, or a light sweater, or jacket are recommended. Although the islands are blessed with warm water all year round, they can also experience rain.