Best snorkeling spots in Calif
 

I will be traveling all the way down the California coast in a few weeks and love to snorkel. Where are the "best" snorkeling spots? Thanks a million!

I don't think much of the CA coast is clear enough for snorkeling. Grew up in So Cal at the beach and I don't remember anybody ever snorkeling. Are you prepared for the water temp? It's pretty cool water and the surf is pretty foamy. Maybe someone else has a different experience.

Agree with Suzie. La Jolla cove might be a candidate, but that's about all I can think of.

Not so much the coast but I'm thinking that Catalina Island and maybe the Channel Islands may offer some snorkeling spots.

Catalina and Pacific Grove, maybe. Lover's Cove in PG has pretty clear water, lots of people dive in the area, so snorkeling may be good there. Catalina might have more colorful fish though.

I have never seen anyone snorkeling in Nothern California--I think one of the many reasons why is because you would have to wear a wet suit . People who go to that much trouble to be in the water scuba dive.

I have snorkled at Catalina and that is the only place I've ever seen anyone else snorkel in this state either! I think you could probably leave your equipment at home this time and try a new sport like beach volleyball! (Just kidding.)

Catalina for sure. It is fabulous. Tons of Garibaldis (only found along this coast), all orange and shiny and lots of other fish and sealife. The best thing to do, if you're in Avalon, is rent a kayak at Descanso Beach (you can bring your snorkel equipment or they'll rent you that too), then take it around some of the coves, jump off and snorkel. And you'll be coming at such a great time for this too.

Catalina is also the ONLY place I can think of. And I hope you are not expecting warm water snorkeling like in hawaii or the tropics . . . The eastern Pacific is a whole different environment.

Unless you plan on a trip out to Catalina you should forget about snorkeling - and even then you'd want to do an ovenight visit which probably isn't in your plans.

Yes, people always seem to think that the water off California is warm - partially because the place has a warm climate and partially (I suspect) because of the California surf culture (and the music/movies built around it). But the fact is, nowhere on the US west coast is the water really anything near warm. Summertime water temps off San Diego are much cooler than summertime water temps of East Hampton, NY. That because the current along the east coast draws water up from the tropics while the current off the west coast draws water down from Alaska. We found the water as far south as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - which is at the same latitude as Honolulu and Havana - to be tolerable at best.

Ken

PS - For those really adventurous types, here's a real interesting link:

http://www.alaskadeepsix.com/

Snorkeling in Alaska. Who'd a thunk it!

Ken

dbabmbjb,
I hope you haven't followed up on this post and abandoned hope of snorkeling here.

those trying to scare you away with the water temps are full of it :) here in san diego, the average temp in august is 69, which - news flash to anyone who has not spent much time in the pacific - is perfect!

and there's definitely snorkeling beyond catalina. here in san diego, we have the la jolla underwater park which is over 8 square miles and attracts divers from all over.

there is great snorkeling with easy entry (and many dive shops to rent you gear) at la jolla cove.

Thanks for the advice. I am aware of the ocean temps on the west coast - I call the water off the Maine coast "tropical" at this time of year! Where is La Jolla Underwater Park?
Thanks again!

it is in san diego, in the northwestern part of the city. google san diego-la jolla underwater park and you'll get many hits.

When I did my snorkeling check out dive years ago, we went to Laguna Beach. Last month I was in Laguna and saw several snorkelers. Actually any places where you see kelp beds are cadidates. I have done some off Carlsbad State Beach.

As mentioned, Catalina Island is great as perhaps are the other Channel Islands off Santa Barbara

Here's a worthwhile link for those interested in monthly average coastal water temps throughout the US:

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/index.html

dbabmbjb - If you think the water temps off Maine this time of year are "tropical", you're a heck a lot tougher than me!

Ken

Interesting site LordBalfor. I see that the water temperature in Cordova Alaska is almost identical to our presnt water temp here in Monterey California.

Lovejoy -

Yeah, isn't that a kick in the head!

I guess maybe that Alaska snorkeling idea is not as silly as I thought (in the summer at least).

Ken