It is perhaps the most popular snorkeling spot on the entire island. 1-hour in-waterStarts at $60 ppLocation:Casino Point. 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. Home to Catalina's only beachside restaurant and bar, Descanso Beach is open to the public and it's one of the few placeswhere you can legally have a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand! Located in the direction of the South of Singapore, Pulau Hantu is made out of two islands called Hantu Besar (Big Ghost) and Hantu Kecil (Small Ghost). From Coxen Hole or the airport, head north-east along the main road for 6 miles or so. Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. You can also take a tour on the Garibaldi. Please login and you will add product to your wishlist, The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. Catering to the Little Harbor Camper, we set you up with kayaks for the day or the weekend. And with plenty of tours and affordable lodging options, Catalina is a great destination for watersport lovers on any budget. . Snorkeling is a great way to explore the undersea wildlife around Catalina Island with many protected areas to safely swim, snorkel, and play in the Pacific. 1. 1. Snorkeling isa great way to explore and to see the undersea wildlife around Catalina Island. Bring a waterproof camera. If youre just looking for a quick dip and to save money, you can rent gear (or bring your own) at any beach along the island and set off on your own. Theres also lots of post-snorkeling activities to explore on the nearby beach. The spot indeed does have two harbors, that is, Cat Harbor and Isthmus Cove Harbor. Like Casino Point Diving Park, Lovers Cove is located off Avalon, in the southeastern portion of Catalina. It depends on the time of the year, but yes, its likely you will want to snorkel in a wetsuit. 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. Here are five of the best places to snorkel on Catalina: 1. If so, then snorkeling in Catalina Island might just be the perfect activity for your next getaway. Winter averages 59F (15C), spring 60F (15.5C), summer 66F (19C), and autumn 65F (18C). I know in Catalina Island, we can rent a golf cart, if we want to tour a bit. He hand paddled over to us with his flippers because he lost his oars at Catalina. and affordable lodging options, Catalina is a great destination for watersport lovers on any budget. Snorkeling Catalina is located approximately 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach, CA on beautiful Catalina Island. For site verification or to add on any camping supplies, please call the Two Harbors Visitor Services at 310.510.4205. Lovers cove is a great destination for the whole family. It's also the hardest campground to secure as part of your reservations. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Yes, there is a good chance you will catch some sea lions while snorkeling around Catalina. 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. Now that you know what areas to visit on your next snorkeling trip to Santa Catalina, lets find out how you can stay safe underwater by packing the right mask. The average annual water temperature off Santa Catalina Island is 62F (17C). more. Perfect for rafting, kayaking, paddling, fishing, sailing, camping, surfing, or simply relaxing at the beach. While you can go on your own if you have snorkeling experience, the local tour companies go out of their way to offer unique adventures. 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. Walking is, of course, a popular way of exploring the city. 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. Visit ourTwo Harbor Scuba Divingpage for more information and pricing for SCUBA rentals. Address Little Harbor Rd Avalon, CA 90704 Phone 310.510.4205 Park Name Catalina Island Conservancy Owner Conservancy Activities Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Camping, Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking Whichever season you ultimately choose, you can look forward to beautiful views and abundant marine life! ), Guanaja Today: Diving During an Earthquake, TWARS (This Week at Reef Seekers) - October 9-16. Additional snorkeling destinations including Gallagher Beach, Emerald Bay, Moonstone Cove, and Whites Landing are all magnificent and teeming with marine life. Kayaking and snorkeling are easy and fun ways to experience the natural beauty of Catalina Island. Little Harbor Campground: 23 sites The Casino in Avalon on Catalina Island. Pick up a single-use cooler from the Two Harbors General Store and stock up on groceries like fresh fruit and vegetables, hot dogs, sandwich items, beer, wine, and more! 5% off. Hiking to Ben Weston Beach, one of the island's legendary destinations 11 were here . Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise as you head . Other guides will throw bait from the boat, drawing plenty of marine life around you once you jump in. Reservations are required and are Protects your phone by land and by sea! How to go snorkeling at French Key? Whether you're catching waves, or just catching some rays, the CaliCase Sand-Free Towel is perfect for days at the beach and summers by the pool. Glass-bottom boat tours and divers with heavy tanks also use the marine park, so its important to keep your eyes open to avoid bumping into them. *Weekends have a 2 night minimum (May - October);holidays have a 3 night minimum. The Shark Caves . ---------- Post added December 18th, 2013 at 05:29 PM ----------. Casino Point Dive Park is found off Avalon and is a famous snorkeling spot for underwater explorers. Bopper hit the best of the bunch IMHO but I'd add Blue Cavern and the Quarry you can't anchor a boat at Blue Cavern though. High-speed ferries from the mainlanddock at the Cabrillo Mole boat landing, just a short walk to the main part of town. My top recommendations for each are: Booking.com Vrbo Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay). See you at Catalina. Its no wonder that Catalina Island officially known as Santa Catalina Island has a reputation as hot spot for the beautiful people. The tiny island, located off southern California, has plenty of protected coves, harbors and beaches, as well as warm water brimming with exotic sea life. This may be a drawback for those hoping to add activities to snorkeling, but it also makes for a more secluded snorkeling experience. *Firewood, fire starters, charcoal & propane can be added to your reservation by calling Two Harbors Visitor Services. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Little Harbor's cool waters with your young ones at the shallow waters. This is a popular way to get around the island, and you will see many infamous landmarks such as the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, and more. Find out HERE! Visibility is great and the surf is usually calm. We will do some kayaking and check out some of those spots. The dive center rents snorkel equipment and offers tours along with an impressive array of paddleboard, kayak, beach umbrella and diving equipment rentals. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. Dont worry about sharks while snorkeling on Catalina because they very rarely come close to the island. "Twenty six miles across the sea / Santa Catalina is a-waitin for me.". Adjustable straps make it comfortable to wear and easy to stow away in a sea kayak or canoe; the clear, touch screen compatible front pocket makes it easy to store and check your phone while youre on the go; The Waterproof CaliCase 20L Dry Bag is the go-to gear for all active lifestyles. Is There Good Snorkeling in Catalina Island? You will see plenty of marine life here including garibaldi, rays, rockfish, kelp bass, and if you are lucky, you will have an encounter or two with an octopus. What else (yes, this is your opinion) should we see/do while there? So if youre looking for a more private snorkeling experience, then Lovers Cove is the perfect spot! We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Kayaks are rented for 24-hour periods and available from noon to noon with a multiple day discount. Sea lions and sea otters, Catalina Island - best way to get there and tour ideas, El Terado Terrace Mini Suites & Townhomes. Pick up a single-use cooler from the Two Harbors General Store and stock up on groceries like fresh fruit and vegetables, hot dogs, sandwich items, beer, wine, and more! Below are three of the best places for seeing underwater life at Santa Catalina. It has 117 moorings and anchorage for over 200. If you need an affordable and quaint beach-style place to stay in Catalina, Seacrest Inn will work great for you. What is this "too cold now" of which you speak? WARNING: If Catalina Island is experiencing adverse weather there is a possibility of trail, road, and campground closures. Make sure to save this post to refer back to when youre ready to book your Catalina Island trip! If youre looking for the island to be a little less busy, try coming in the spring (April to May) instead. Explore the Pacific on the Catalina Island Submarine. During the summer, when the water has warmed up and its warm out you will be fine swimming without a wetsuit. Lover's Cove is situated off of Avalon, the largest town in Catalina. You also have more short breaths and thats where carbon dioxide becomes an issue. Jetski Adventure To Catalina Island. We are your one stop shop for water fun! If reservation is cancelled within 72 hours of the reservation start date the camping fees will be refunded. $500 deposit required. Marine life: Schooling fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, spiny lobsters, horn sharks, tree fish, black sea bass, mackerel,and colorful Garibaldi. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in the province of Limn is one of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Catalina Island is definitely a place worth snorkeling in. There are a few different ways you can go about snorkeling in one of Californias favorite getaways from free to over $100. We get a visit from our marina neighbor Sam of SV Yardbird who sailed up and dropped his hook at sunset. Located about seven miles east of Two Harbors and 19miles from Avalon, Little Harbor is a sandy, beachfront campground with lots of opportunities for recreation. Re: Snorkeling near Two Harbors and/or Little Harbor? With large sections of underwater gardens and a wide variety of fish species, Two Harbors is considered the healthiest marine environment and most serene spot for snorkeling in Santa Catalina. Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. . Can you swim with dolphins in Los Angeles? Some of our favorite snorkeling spots include Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, Casino Point Dive Park and the waters around Descanso Beach. Lessons, rentals and guided dive trips are available. Though it may not have a sandy beach like its more popular counterpart, this secluded spot offers some of the most stunning underwater views and encounters with sea life. Have any of you done any diving/snorkeling here? Lover's Cove. Join our expert guides for a two-day trek on Catalina Island complete with pristine beaches, secluded coves, and a network of trails connecting you with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. You will instead see magnificent kelp forests while snorkeling here! One major concern is the carbon dioxide buildup. Specialties: Experience the most amazing ocean adventure! 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. One of Catalina's largest natural beaches, Little Harbor is a great place to go for swimming, snorkeling and hiking.