California's Channel Islands is a great location for snorkeling. There are many aquatic animals that live on these islands, including harbor seals and California sea lions. These creatures can also been seen at Santa Cruz Channel Islands. You can see sea lions, other marine animals, and giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, off the coast of Southern California, is home a wide range of wildlife as well as a wonderful snorkeling location. You can reach Anacapa by taking the ferry from Ventura or Island Packers. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island if you're making your first trip to Channel Islands. This island boasts a historic lighthouse as well as great opportunities to spot wildlife.
Anacapa was hit by a WWII torpedo plane in the 1950s while it was on a training mission. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. The plane sits upright in water around 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. Five miles of hiking trails provide breathtaking ocean views. Although the island is a cliff, the water is safe enough to swim or snorkel. Be prepared for strong winds on the island.
There are many marine species in the Channel Islands. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and leopard sharks are among the many common sightings. The underwater world is fascinating as kelp forests have formed giant forests that are home to more than 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 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. It offers great diving with visibility and depths between 20' and 110'. 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 will also be home to 11 species of nesting shorebirds. 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 an excellent place to snorkel or dive. The island is home to kelp forests, underwater arches, and rocky reefs. Its diverse ecosystem supports many types of marine life, including large schools of fish, gorgonians, and invertebrates. Many excellent dive spots are available on the island, one of which is very popular among professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is an island measuring one square mile that is part the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is located approximately 56 miles north-west of Ventura Island and 48 miles southwest 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 islands in the Pacific Ocean that offers snorkeling and scuba diving. The island's southeast section is home to large reefs as well as kelp beds. 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. These are also home to invertebrates such as gorgonians.
The water temperature is usually warm and pleasant in the summer months. However, it can get cold in the winter. You should wear layers or a light-weight sweater or jacket. Although the islands are blessed with warm water all year round, they can also experience rain.