If you're looking for a great place to go snorkeling, consider the Channel Islands in California. There are many aquatic animals that live on these islands, including harbor seals and California sea lions. 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
Located off the southern California coast, Anacapa Island is home to a variety of wildlife and a great snorkeling site. You can reach Anacapa by taking the ferry from Ventura or Island Packers. If you are going on your first trip to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service recommends visiting Anacapa Island. 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, 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. Although visibility is usually 20-60 feet, conditions are often poor at this location.
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 the island is a cliff, the water is safe enough to swim or snorkel. The island can experience strong winds so visitors should be ready for them.
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. It is amazing to see the underwater world. Kelp forests have created huge forests that support more than 800 species 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. The small island of rock is located about one mile off the coast and is protected by the Marine Protected Area. There is excellent diving around the island, with visibility of up to 100 feet and depths from 20 to 110ft. You will find a variety of underwater life, including rocky reefs and purple hydrocoral. The Guardian plane's wreckage can also be explored close to the island.
You'll also see eleven species of nesting shorebirds and seabirds at Gull Island. 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 the perfect place for those who love to dive or snorkel. The island has kelp forests as well as underwater arches and rock reefs. Its diverse ecosystem supports many types of marine life, including large 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 popular for its variety of marine life and clear waters.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is a channel island in Pacific Ocean. Popular activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. Large reefs and kelp beds are found in the southeast corner of the island. The reefs are of different types, including low-lying rocky reefs and large rocky outcroppings with mini walls. These reefs support many marine species, including lobster and fish, because of their unique structure. Here are also invertebrates, like gorgonians.
The water temperature is pleasant and generally warm during the summer months. It can, however, be cold in the winter. Layers and a lightweight jacket or sweater are best. The islands have warm water throughout the year, but they can experience some rain as well.