Snorkeling On Catalina Island
Snorkeling on Catalina Island is one of the most popular water activities in the Southern California area. There are several options for you to choose from, including the popular Two Harbors and the Descanso Beach Club.
Casino Point Dive Park
Casino Point Dive Park is one of the best places to go diving on Catalina Island. This location is well known for its kelp forests, abundant sea life, and great visibility. Thousands of divers flock to this dive site annually.
One of the best features of Casino Point is its scuba training area. Located in front of the stairs, this is a great spot to practice your technique.
Another nice feature is the Air Fill Station. There is an air fill truck here on weekends. You can also rent tanks from local operators. If you aren’t interested in scuba, there are many other aquatic activities on offer at the park.
The Casino Point has a large staircase leading directly into the water. The staircase is a nice feature, as it allows for a much more streamlined entry into the ocean.
The Casino Point has several other nice features as well. It is also the only scuba location on the island with its own snorkeling area.
During the warmer months, you may be able to swim in a 5mm wetsuit. For the most part, though, you will need a 7mm wetsuit and fins.
Another good thing about Casino Point is that you can rent a golf cart. These can be a great way to get around the island and see more of what Catalina has to offer.
Lastly, Casino Point has a monument dedicated to Jacques Cousteau. Before the Casino was built, a monument was put in place to commemorate his contributions to marine science.
Casino Point is a great place to visit and a lot of fun. Whether you are interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, the park has plenty to offer.
Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve
Avalon’s Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve is a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the underwater world. This location features an abundance of sea life, making it a top choice for snorkeling.
The pristine waters of Lover’s Cove are teeming with dozens of species of fish. One of the biggest reasons to visit the area is its abundance of giant kelp forests. These dense kelp forests are home to countless critters.
Several boat tours depart from Avalon Bay, offering the opportunity to see the undersea garden. These glass-bottom boats offer an incredible view of the marine life.
It’s easy to see why Catalina Island has become a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. The island’s crystal-clear waters have made it a top spot for scuba divers. In addition to its abundant marine life, the island also boasts a variety of protected coves and harbors.
You can easily access Lover’s Cove by taking the Catalina Express ferry from Avalon. If you’re planning to go snorkeling, it’s best to check with your tour company to ensure they’re providing you with the best possible experience.
Many of the charter boats that go to Lover’s Cove are based in Southern California. During the summer months, the water is often crowded and the temperature is hot. However, during the spring and fall, the weather is more pleasant and the area is less crowded.
Another option for snorkeling in Catalina Island is Descanso Beach. Although the reef isn’t as diverse as the ones in Lover’s Cove, this beach is also protected.
For more information on Lover’s Cove, visit the California Department of Fish and Game Regulations. Alternatively, you can contact the shop at Catalina Snorkel and Scuba.
Two Harbors – “Catalina’s Other Side”
The town of Two Harbors on Catalina is a relatively small settlement situated on the western end of the island. It’s a good place to base your intrepid explorations of the island. As a result, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of attractions, including the historic coves, the best snorkeling on the island, and the aforementioned beaches. Moreover, it’s only 22 miles from the southern tip of the island, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or two. Aside from the town’s obvious amenities, the region also boasts four of California’s most pristine campgrounds.
The town is home to numerous attractions, such as the Banning House, a historic bungalow built in 1910. This rambling property contains 11 rooms, including one of the aforementioned bungalows, a bar, and a restaurant. In addition to the Banning House, you can check out the nearby Dive & Recreation Center, an outfitter that provides everything from kayaking to world class SCUBA diving. Additionally, you can rent out one of the town’s 700 moorings. Likewise, you can find an array of other attractions, including the aforementioned beach, the Temple of the Sun, and a plethora of hiking trails.
While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out Emerald Bay, an uphill road that leads to a tiny island. Similarly, you’ll want to take the time to marvel at the sights and sounds of the aforementioned beaches. However, you don’t have to stay in Two Harbors to appreciate its surroundings, as you can easily travel to nearby Avalon in just over a half hour. Nonetheless, if you’re the type who prefers to explore on land, you can hop aboard the aforementioned Discover Two Harbors Cyclone Power Boat and sail from the mainland to Catalina in no time at all.
Catalina Harbor
Catalina Island is a beautiful, scenic island in Southern California. It is a popular destination for vacationers because of its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and marine life. The water is also relatively warm, and is ideal for snorkeling.
Catalina has an undersea ecosystem that is centered on forests of giant kelp. These kelp forests are home to numerous species of invertebrates and fish. They are also the habitat for a small number of rays, sharks and leopard sharks.
Some of the most popular spots for snorkeling on Catalina Island are at Ship Rock, Casino Point Dive Park, and Descanso Beach. There are also guided tours that take snorkelers to these areas.
The kelp forests of Catalina are an excellent habitat for marine birds. They use nooks and crannies of the rocks for nesting and feeding. In addition, marine critters such as octopus, surf perch and kelp bass are plentiful.
One of the best spots to see all of this is at Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve. It’s located on the west end of the island. However, if you’re looking for a little more privacy, you can head to Emerald Bay or Cherry Cove.
Another great place to see this undersea wildlife is at the Underwater Garden. This is a public protected sanctuary that features shipwrecks and colorful sea life. A boat tour is also a good way to see this area.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned diver, Catalina Island offers an ideal opportunity to see the ocean’s best. Many snorkeling excursions are guided and include all necessary equipment, such as masks, snorkels and fins.
You’ll want to make sure to plan your trip well in advance. Summer is the ideal season to explore the marine life on the island. If you’re not a fan of summer heat, you can opt for a guided nighttime tour. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a dramatic view of the reef under moonlight.
Descanso Beach Club
If you’re looking for the best snorkeling on Catalina Island, Descanso Beach Club is a great choice. It has beautiful coves and plenty of marine life, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or a vacation.
In addition to snorkeling, Descanso Beach Club offers several other activities, including stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. You can also rent cabanas and premium relaxation chairs to enjoy the views.
The staff at Descanso Beach Club are very friendly and will provide you with information on what to do and where to go. They are also more than happy to recommend drinks for you to enjoy on the beach.
The best time for snorkeling on Catalina Island is during the summer months. Giant bladder kelp is one of the fastest growing species of algae, and it is often found in the water during these months. However, it dies off during the winter.
There are no coral reefs on Catalina, so you won’t find much color in the water. However, you will run into plenty of sea lions and other animals.
For a more adventurous experience, try snuba, which is a combination of snorkeling and scuba. This involves wearing a full face mask and diving deeper than you would by scuba diving. Typically, snuba users aren’t certified to dive, but they can still enjoy the beautiful underwater world.
There are also nighttime snorkeling tours, which are a great way to get a look at the reef under the moonlight. These tours are ideal for couples without kids, and are a fun way to see the reef from a different angle.
There are many activities on Catalina Island, but Descanso Beach Club is the only beach resort on the island where alcohol is served. To make your stay even better, the resort provides a beach butler, who can provide food and drink delivery service.
