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. You can also see these animals in the 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 is located just off the California coast. This island is home to an array of wildlife and is a great place for snorkeling. Take the ferry from Ventura, Island Packers to reach Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island to anyone making their first trip to the Channel Islands. This island is home of a historic lighthouse that offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife.
Anacapa was struck by a WWII-era torpedo aircraft in the early 1950s. It was being trained for a mission. Thankfully, no one was killed and the plane remains upright in the sea, 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 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 lies on a cliff edge, the water there is warm enough for snorkeling and swimming. It is possible for strong winds to blow on the island so be prepared.
There are many marine species in the Channel Islands. There are many sightings of leopard sharks and California sea lions. As kelp forests have grown into giant forests that host more than 800 species, the underwater world is quite fascinating. Two currents support these unique ecosystems: the California Current as well as the Davidson Countercurrent. The resulting confluence of the two currents allows for a stunning variety of marine life.
Gull Island
One of the best snorkeling destinations in California is Gull Island. 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. You will find a variety of underwater life, including rocky reefs and purple hydrocoral. You can also visit the wreckage site of the Guardian airplane, which is located near the island.
Gull Island hosts eleven species, including nesting shorebirds. In fact, 99 percent Southern California shorebirds are found in the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands are ideal nesting habitats, as they are protected from predators.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is an excellent place to snorkel or dive. You will find kelp forests, underwater arches and rocky coral reefs on the island. The island's diverse ecosystem supports many kinds of marine life including schools of fish, gorgonians and invertebrates. The island has many excellent dive sites, including one that is highly regarded by professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is an island measuring one square mile that is part the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It's located about 55 miles north of Ventura, and 48 miles southwest from Catalina Island. It is known for its beautiful waters and diverse marine life.
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 several types of reefs: low-lying rocky ones and outcroppings high enough to support mini walls. This structure supports a wide range of marine life, including many lobsters and fish. There are also gorgonians and other invertebrates.
Water temperatures are generally pleasant and warm in summer, but can get colder in winter. Layers are recommended, as well as a light sweater or jacket. The islands have warm water all year long, but can also receive rain.