California's Channel Islands are a great place for snorkeling. These islands are home to various aquatic creatures including California sea lions, harbor seals, and leopard sharks. You can also see these animals in the Santa Cruz Channel Islands. In addition to seeing sea lions and other marine creatures, you can also see giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Located off the southern California coast, Anacapa Island is home to a variety of wildlife and a great snorkeling site. By ferry from Ventura or Island Packers, you can get to Anacapa. If you are going on your first trip to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service recommends visiting Anacapa Island. This island is home of a historic lighthouse that offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife.
Anacapa was the scene of a WWII torpedo-bomber crash landing on it in the early '50s. This happened while it was training. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. The plane can still be seen floating in the water about 120 feet below. Here, you can snorkel with sea lions or kelp and other marine life. The visibility at this site is often 20'-60', but be aware that conditions here are poor.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore the marine life through the clear waters. Many marine species can be found on the island such as turtles and sharks. There are five miles worth of hiking trails that take you to the island, offering stunning views of the ocean. Although the island lies on a cliff edge, the water there is warm enough for snorkeling and swimming. The island can experience strong winds so visitors should be ready for them.
The Channel Islands are home to an incredible array of marine species. Common sightings include leopard sharks, California's sea lions, and harbor seals. Amazing underwater life is possible because of the kelp forests, which have created giant forests that house more than 800 species. 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
Gull Island is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in California. This tiny island made of rocks is just a mile from the coast. It is also 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. It is also possible to explore the wreckage of the Guardian aircraft, located close to the island.
You'll also see eleven species of nesting shorebirds and seabirds at Gull Island. The Channel Islands contain 99 percent of Southern California's shorebird populations. The Channel Islands are ideal nesting habitats, as they are protected from predators.
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. Its diverse ecosystem supports many species of marine life, including gorgonians, large schools of fish and invertebrates. There are many excellent dive locations around the island. One is particularly popular among professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is a small island of approximately one-square mile. It is part and parcel 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 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. The southeast part of the island features large reefs and kelp beds. The reefs include rocky reefs that are low and rocky, as well as large outcroppings made of small rocks with walls. They are home to a variety of marine life including fish and lobster, thanks to their structure. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
The water temperature is usually warm and pleasant in the summer months. However, it can get cold in the winter. Layers or a lightweight sweater or jacket are recommended. Although the islands are blessed with warm water all year round, they can also experience rain.