California's Channel Islands are a great place for snorkeling. There are many aquatic animals that live on these islands, including harbor seals and California sea lions. These animals can be found in Santa Cruz Channel Islands. Apart from sea lions and marine creatures, Garibaldi is a giant goldfish.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, off the coast of Southern California, is home a wide range of wildlife as well as a wonderful snorkeling location. To reach Anacapa, take 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 is home of a historic lighthouse that offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife.
In the early '50s, a WWII torpedo bomber crashed on Anacapa while on a training mission. 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. 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. You will find many marine species here, including turtles, sharks and even elephant seals. The island also has five miles long hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Although it is a cliff island the water here is warm enough to snorkel and swim. Visitors should be prepared for the strong winds that can occur on the island.
An incredible variety of marine species are found in the Channel Islands. There are many sightings of leopard sharks and California sea lions. Amazing underwater life is possible because of the kelp forests, which have created giant forests that house more than 800 species. These unique ecosystems are supported both by the California Current, and the Davidson Countercurrent. The confluence of these currents results in a spectacular variety of marine species.
Gull Island
One of the best snorkeling destinations in California is Gull Island. This tiny rock island, which is about a mile off the coast, is a Marine Protected Area. Excellent diving is possible all around the island. The visibility is great and you can dive to depths up to 110'. The underwater landscape is filled with rocky corals, purple hydrocorals, and invertebrates. The wreckage of the Guardian plane can be viewed close by.
Gull Island also has eleven species nesting shorebirds. In fact, 99 per cent of Southern California's shorebirds call the Channel Islands home. The Channel Islands are ideal nesting habitats, as they are protected from predators.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is great for snorkeling and diving. 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. There are several excellent dive sites around the island, including one that is popular with professionals.
Santa Barbara Island is a one-square-mile island that is part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is located roughly 55 miles north and 48 minutes southwest of Catalina Island. Because of its clear waters and diversity of marine life, it is a popular spot for snorkeling.
Santa Rosa Island
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Santa Rosa Island, a channel island in the Pacific Ocean. Large reefs can be found on the southeast side of the island, as well as kelp bed. The reefs are of different types, including low-lying rocky reefs and large rocky outcroppings with mini walls. The structure of the reefs supports many species of marine life, including fish and lobster. 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. The islands have warm water throughout the year, but they can experience some rain as well.