California's Channel Islands offer great snorkeling spots. 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. Apart from sea lions and marine creatures, Garibaldi is a giant goldfish.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is located just off the California coast. This island is home to an array of wildlife and is a great place for snorkeling. You can reach Anacapa by taking the ferry from Ventura or Island Packers. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island as a first stop on your trip to Channel Islands. This island is home of a historic lighthouse that offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife.
Anacapa was hit by a WWII torpedo plane in the 1950s while it was on a training mission. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the plane still sits upright in the water, about 120 feet below. You can snorkel here and see sea lions, kelp, and other marine life. The visibility is 20-60ft at this site, but conditions can be difficult.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore the marine life through the clear waters. Many marine species are found on the island, including sharks, turtles, and elephant seals. Five miles of hiking trails offer breathtaking views and five miles of coastline. 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.
The Channel Islands house a remarkable array of marine species. You will often see leopard sharks, California sea-lions, harbor seals and other marine species. As kelp forests have grown into giant forests that host more than 800 species, the underwater world is quite fascinating. 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
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. You'll find excellent diving all around the island with depths ranging from 20' to 110' and excellent visibility. The underwater landscape is full of rocky reefs, purple hydrocoral, and invertebrates. The wreckage of the Guardian plane can be viewed close by.
You'll also see eleven species of nesting shorebirds and seabirds at Gull Island. In fact, 99 percent Southern California shorebirds are found in the Channel Islands. They are a perfect nesting area, free from predators and human disturbance.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is great for snorkeling and diving. There are kelp forests, rocky reefs, and underwater arches on the island. 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 (one-square-mile) is an island that forms part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It's located about 55 miles north of Ventura, and 48 miles southwest from Catalina Island. It is popular for its variety of marine life and clear waters.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is an island channel in Pacific Ocean. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular on the island. The island's southeast section is home to large reefs as well as kelp beds. There are several types of reefs: low-lying rocky ones and outcroppings high enough to support mini walls. These reefs support many marine species, including lobster and fish, because of their unique structure. There are also gorgonians and other invertebrates.
The water temperature is pleasant and generally warm during the summer months. It can, however, be 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.