Like Lovers Cove, this section of the island is a good spot for couples and for family getaways. The kelp forests in Catalina Island are some of the best in the world. Small and bare Pin Rock, close inside the E head of the harbor, is 150 yards offshore and . Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Healthcare Consultant. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Additional snorkeling destinations including Gallagher Beach, Emerald Bay, Moonstone Cove, and Whites Landing are all magnificent and teeming with marine life. Gasparilla Island State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. While you can sometimes catch a sea turtle swimming around the island if youre lucky! Thanks for the info. Little Harbor campground is located in a beautiful cove on the backside of Catalina Island. Summertime (June to September) is the best time of year for snorkeling in Catalina Island, as it offers the warmest weather for a more enjoyable experience. Insider Tips for Snorkeling on Catalina Island. ", Two Harbors relative seclusion and geographic protection make the water on this part of the island particularly clean. Friday through Sunday - 8:00 AM-4:30PM 3. Our staff will show you the basics with each rental, and you'll be on your way. If youre looking for a serene and unspoiled snorkeling spot that offers a more exclusive experience, then Two Harbors is the place for you! 5% off. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. Not only is snorkeling equipment (like the mask) and equipment instruction included in the price, but the group leaders are likely to dive down to bring up some of the more elusive sea life to examine, as well as to bring along bait to help you safely witness a feeding frenzy from large schools. offers a few different snorkeling opportunities including snuba, a popular combination of snorkeling and scuba that does not require certification like scuba diving, allowing you to snorkel to greater water depths. This blog is meant to help you create your dream lifestyle through travel. Specialties: Experience the most amazing ocean adventure! Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. Complete Snorkel Package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit), Core Snorkel Package (mask, snorkel, fins). 310-510-1520. Please watch the weather. And-snorkelin, Where to see the sea life? Rentals are due back by 30 minutes before close. Its easily accessible stairs into the water and roped-off area make it an ideal spot to take a plunge. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.>>> Best car rental rates and deals. Job in Boca Raton - Palm Beach County - FL Florida - USA , 33427. Also great snorkeling along the shallow shelf that extends northwest of Bird Rock. A favorite destination for boaters from the mainland, with 720 moorings, pier and shore boat service. All other supplies & equipment are available on a walk-up only basis. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island. Stop by 708 Crescent Avenue, call 310-510-1445 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org. It's too cold now (December) but we may come back later. Kayaks can also be dropped off at Little Harbor Campground. You also have more short breaths and thats where carbon dioxide becomes an issue. The NorCal snorkeling spot offers cool lake waters, incredible views, and plenty to explore. Many of us want to experience the outdoors while we [], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.comAbout Us | ContactPrivacy Policy | Terms of Use, NavigateBeachesMapsArticlesHotelsRestaurantsAttractions, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Catalina Island Camping and Boat-In Beaches. Here are five of the best places to snorkel on Catalina: 1. Casino Point Dive Park is found off Avalon and is a famous snorkeling spot for underwater explorers. Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club. Job specializations: Healthcare. Avalon itself is on southeastern tip of the island, which is also the closest part of Catalina to the mainland. Casino Point Dive Park is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience that will give everyone the opportunity to discover a bit more about the captivating underwater world! The Village of Two Harbors, located on the west end of Catalina Island where Catalina Harbor and Isthmus Cove are separated by just 1/4 mile. For the purpose of this Catalina Island itinerary article, I will mainly discuss exploring the side of Two Harbors. Whether you are riding an underwater scooter or just wandering on your own, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. Play on pristine, white-sand beaches caressed by crystal-clear seas. Lover's Cove. 1 Green Pleasure Pier No matter your budget or diving style, you will be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters of Catalina Island! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. When Is the Best Time to Visit California?Summer (June-August) is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. There are many activities available. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even fall unconscious. CATALINA HARBOR, TWO HARBORS Catalina Harbor is one of only two U.S. Coast Guard "Year-round Safe Harbors" in Southern California. The Casino in Avalon on Catalina Island. Have you ever wanted to get up close to a dolphin? Some parts of the state get June Gloom where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall). Others pls feel free to correct these approximations: Let's go into 1 minute of deco on a 131ft dive under a rock ledge. Of course, it also depends on how sensitive you are to the cold as well. O. fficially known as Santa Catalina Island, the tiny island, located off the shores of Los Angeles, California in the Pacific Ocean, has plenty of protected coves, harbors, and beachesand the warm waters are brimming with exotic sea life! It is undoubtedly one of the best places to snorkel in Singapore. Catalina is served exclusively by SCE's one generating facility located near the island's only city, Avalon. Excellent snorkeling around the Harbor Reefs marker. Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. Watch a feeding frenzy commence as schools of fish surround your porthole. Avalon itself is on southeastern tip of the island, which is also the closest part of Catalina to the mainland. You exhale more carbon dioxide that you take in oxygen, and since you are in an enclosed space it gets harder to push all the CO2 out. Additional snorkeling destinations including. Jetski Adventure To Catalina Island. No cars are permitted on the island. There are a handful of hotels and campgrounds on the island, but a snorkeling outing can also be experienced as a day trip. Catalina Outdoor Adventures provides Half and Full Day Trips from Avalon to Little Harbor. You can call the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center for updates on closures, 310.510.4205. You can also find sea turtles here! Marked by a massive casino, Avalon is home to many points of interests, marine sports, andpopular entertainment spots offeringa Mediterranean vibe. Check out SingleDivers.com or PM me! Explore the Pacific on the Catalina Island Submarine. P.O. Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club offers a few different snorkeling opportunities including snuba, a popular combination of snorkeling and scuba that does not require certification like scuba diving, allowing you to snorkel to greater water depths. What is this "too cold now" of which you speak? This rustic village sits on a narrow strip of land that separates Isthmus Cove on the leeward side of the island from Catalina Harbor on the windward side. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Little Harbor Campground is located on the windward side of Catalina Island and it has been named as One of the Best Campgrounds In The West by Sunset Magazine. The minimum water temperature in Santa Catalina Island is 56F (13C) and happens in January, the maximum is 69F (20.5C) and happens in June. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There is a reason why Santa Catalina is so charmingit is filled with beautiful hidden harbors, beaches, and coves, and the waters are brimmed with eye-catching sea life. While the three areas described above are the most snorkel-friendly overall, a few other places around Catalina are worth exploring: Even though there are plenty of outfitters and clubs that will be happy to arrange snorkeling equipment, transportation and guided tours for you, knowing a little about how the island operates is helpful as youre planning your Catalina snorkeling adventure. With so much to discover, its easy to see why Catalina Island is beloved by all snorkelers that visit. Chemical toilets While we are there why not check out the snorkeling/diving spots? Snorkeling Catalina is located approximately 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach, CA on beautiful Catalina Island. This tour company is best for those looking to add a unique flare to their snorkeling whether thats going at night or adding on an underwater hand scooter. Being further from the city than Lovers Cove and Casino Point Park, the area doesnt have as many visitors as the other two. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. There isa $9.25 service fee rather you book online or over the telephone. Nope! http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/twoHarbors/acti_snorkeling.php. The crescent-shaped cove is a protected area, allowing for large swaths of giant kelp forests, along with sea life such as calico bass, orange Garibaldi fish, and lobster. There are a few different ways you can go about snorkeling in one of Californias favorite getaways from free to over $100. Shark Harbor Campground: 3 sites. The best place to keep your phone, wallet, and cash dry and protected from the elements. Can you swim with dolphins in Los Angeles? The crescent-shaped cove is a protected area with large swaths of giant kelp forests and abundant marine life. Answer 1 of 2: Hi, I am planning a trip to Catalina and would love to hear other users opinions about the quality of snorkeling near Two Harbors and/or Little Harbor. Kayak rentals: Available year-round from Wet Spot Rentals by advance reservation. Sitting on the beachfront, Little Harbor is one of only two protected harbors on the backside of Catalina Island. Only then you will be sure that CO2 is being expelled the right way. This may be a drawback for those hoping to add activities to snorkeling, but it also makes for a more secluded snorkeling experience. Avalon is Catalina's largest town located on the southeastern tip of the island. With today's high-speed ferries, that distance can be crossed in about an hour. Some allow you to hand-feed the fish yourself, while others throw bait from the boat, drawing plenty of marine life around you once you jump from the boat. Although youll need to carry in your own gear or rent it elsewhere, the area, known by locals as Cat Harbor is the most protected cove off Catalina. Snorkel in the waters of South Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay to discover a sunken forest and large barges. The wildlife refuge is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, thanks to its white sand beaches, shallow coral reefs, turquoise waters, mangrove ecosystems, and dense rainforests. To attract marine life, hand-feeding the fish is permitted on some tours. All Rights Reserved. The French Key reef is accessible either by the privately owned islands of Big French Key and Little French Key or by the Fantasy Island Resort. *Firewood, fire starters, charcoal & propane can be added to your reservation by calling Two Harbors Visitor Services. With a roped-off area to keep swimmers safe, the underwater garden is packed with colorful sea life and shipwrecks. And since few of the islands visitors get far from the main port city of Avalon, [], Santa Catalina Island is unique in many ways, but especially when it comes to land ownership. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.