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. These creatures can also be seen 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
Anacapa Island, off the coast of Southern California, is home a wide range of wildlife as well as a wonderful snorkeling location. By ferry from Ventura or Island Packers, you can get to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island as a first stop on your trip to Channel Islands. This island boasts a historic lighthouse as well as great opportunities to spot 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. You can snorkel at this site and you'll see sea lions and other marine creatures. However, visibility here is often between 20-60'.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island visitors can see the marine life through the crystal clear water. Many marine species can be found on the island such as turtles and sharks. Five miles of hiking trails provide breathtaking ocean views. Although it is a cliff island the water here is warm enough to snorkel and swim. It is possible for strong winds to blow on the island so be prepared.
An incredible variety of marine species are found in the Channel Islands. Common sightings include leopard sharks, California's sea lions, and harbor seals. 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. 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 rock island, which is about a mile off the coast, is a Marine Protected Area. It offers great diving with visibility and depths between 20' and 110'. You'll find plenty of invertebrates, purple hydrocoral, and rocky reefs under the seafloor. It is also possible to explore the wreckage of the Guardian aircraft, located close to the island.
Gull Island also has eleven species nesting shorebirds. The Channel Islands actually house 99 percent of Southern California's shorebird population. Their isolation provides ideal nesting habitats without predators or human disturbance.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island, a wonderful place to go snorkeling and diving is also a great spot. There are kelp forests, rocky reefs, and underwater arches on the island. Its diverse ecosystem supports many types marine life, including large schools and gorgonians as well as invertebrates. There are several excellent dive sites around the island, including one that is popular with 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 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
Santa Rosa Island is an island channel in Pacific Ocean. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular on the island. The southeast part of the island features large reefs and kelp beds. There are many types of reefs, including low-lying rock reefs and large outcroppings of rocky material with small walls. Because of this structure, they support a wide variety of marine life, including many fish and lobster. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
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. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.