JDay

Will it be too cold for snorkeling in May without a wet suit? What is the best place for snorkeling in the San Diego/Long Beach/Catalina area? (Family of teens and adults). Is it important to stay in La Jolla for easier access to snorkeling? (Hotels seem to be so expensive in that area). Thanks for any help.

Joe

The So. Cal waters are too cold to snorkel for a long time all year, but in May the water has not even began to warm so I would say get/rent a shortie or surfsuit at the least.

I cannot think of an area near Long Beach to snorkel.

Catalina has a multitude of snorkeling spots east of the harbor. The water off Catalina is extremely colder than mainland beach areas.

La Jolla cove can be good so can the areas south (not near the seals though). La Jolla is better for diving because of the surf. There is no other place in the San Diego area for snorkeling unless you rent a boat and snorkel off the Point Loma kelp beds.

x

as mentioned above, san diego is not known as a great area for snorkeling. la jolla cove would be the best choice and water in may will be pretty cold. you do not have to stay in la jolla. it is right next to san diego so you can just drive there when you want to visit the cove, etc. it's 10 minutes from pacific beach, 20 minutes from downtown.

JDay

Thanks to Joe and X for your helpful ideas!! Any other great snorkeling places up the coast toward San Francisco? We're planning on taking the drive from San Deigo to San Franciso.