California's Channel Islands offer great snorkeling spots. 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. Apart from sea lions and marine creatures, Garibaldi is a giant goldfish.
Anacapa Island
Located off the southern California coast, Anacapa Island is home to a variety of wildlife and a great snorkeling site. To reach Anacapa, take the ferry from Ventura (or Island Packers). The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island for anyone who is making their first visit to the Channel Islands. 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. Thankfully, no one was killed and the plane remains upright in the sea, 120 feet below. Here you can snorkel and view sea lions and kelp as well as 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 is home to a variety of marine species that can be seen through its crystal-clear waters. There are many marine species on the island including turtles and sharks as well as elephant seals. There are five miles worth of hiking trails that take you to the island, offering stunning views of the ocean. Although the island is a cliff island, its water is warm enough for swimming and snorkeling. It is possible for strong winds to blow on the island so be prepared.
A wide variety of marine species can be found in the Channel Islands. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and leopard sharks are among the many common sightings. The underwater world is beautiful because kelp forests are home to over 800 species of marine life. These unique ecosystems are supported by two currents, the California Current and the Davidson Countercurrent. These two currents create a confluence that allows for amazing marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island is the best spot for snorkeling in California. This tiny island made of rocks is just a mile from the coast. It is also a Marine Protected Area. It offers great diving with visibility and depths between 20' and 110'. The underwater landscape is rich in rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral and invertebrates. It is also possible to explore the wreckage of the Guardian aircraft, located close to the island.
Gull Island is home to eleven species of nesting shorebirds as well as seabirds. In fact, 99 percent Southern California shorebirds are found in the Channel Islands. It is a great nesting site that is protected from predators and humans.
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. 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's located about 55 miles north of Ventura, and 48 miles southwest from Catalina Island. It is a popular snorkeling destination because of its crystal clear waters and variety of marine life.
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. These reefs support many marine species, including lobster and fish, because of their unique structure. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
The water temperature is generally warm and pleasant during the summer months, but it can be chilly in the winter months. Layers or a lightweight sweater or jacket are recommended. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.