California's Channel Islands is a great location for snorkeling. These islands host many aquatic species, including California sea Lions, harbor Seals, Leopard Sharks, as well as other animals like leopard sharks. These animals can be found in Santa Cruz Channel Islands. You can see sea lions, other marine animals, and giant goldfish called Garibaldi.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island, located off the coast of southern California, is home to many species of wildlife and an excellent snorkeling spot. The ferry from Ventura and Island Packers will take you to Anacapa. The National Park Service recommends Anacapa Island if you're making your first trip to Channel Islands. This island is home to a historic lighthouse and great opportunities to observe wildlife.
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 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 allows visitors to see the marine life in the clear, clean water. Many marine species can be found on the island such as turtles and sharks. The island also has five miles long hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The island is a cliff-shaped island but the water is still warm enough to swim and snorkel. 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. There are many sightings of leopard sharks and California sea lions. The underwater world is beautiful because kelp forests are home to over 800 species of marine life. Two currents help to support these unique ecosystems - the California Current and Davidson Countercurrent. The resulting confluence of the two currents allows for a stunning variety of marine life.
Gull Island
Gull Island is the best spot for snorkeling in California. This small rock island is only about a mile offshore and is a Marine Protected Area. The island offers excellent diving at depths of 20 to 110 feet and great visibility. The underwater landscape is full of 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 also has eleven species nesting shorebirds. The Channel Islands contain 99 percent of Southern California's shorebird populations. Its isolation makes it an ideal nesting location without human disturbance or predators.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is the perfect place for those who love to dive or snorkel. The island is home to kelp forests, underwater arches, and rocky reefs. The island's diverse ecosystem supports many kinds of marine life including schools of fish, gorgonians and invertebrates. There are several excellent dive sites around the island, including one that is popular with professionals.
Santa Barbara Island (one-square-mile) is an island that forms part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is located approximately 56 miles north-west of Ventura Island and 48 miles southwest 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. This structure supports a wide range of marine life, including many lobsters and fish. These are also home to invertebrates such as gorgonians.
The water temperature in summer is warm and pleasant, but it can get chilly in winter. You should wear layers or a light-weight sweater or jacket. While the islands have warm water year-round, they also can get rain.