Play on pristine, white-sand beaches caressed by crystal-clear seas. This snorkeling location is a good spot for both family and couple trips, with the roped-off area keeping things safe, and the underwater garden boasting colorful sea life and even shipwrecks. Catalina is located about 22 miles off the coast of southern California near Los Angeles. Find out HERE! Snorkel in the waters of South Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay to discover a sunken forest and large barges. Built-in foam padding and 2 layers of high-quality PVC-plastic provide maximum protection against pressure, puncture and penetration, making it the only case that's not only drop, scuff, and waterproof, but the only one that keeps your phone floating above water! While we are there why not check out the snorkeling/diving spots? Day 2: Black Jack to Two Harbors (roughly 13 miles). >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: ONeill Wetsuits, >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: Spring Suits, >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: Rash Guards. 5% off. Here is some information snorkeling around Two Harbors. While you can sometimes catch a sea turtle swimming around the island if youre lucky! While temperatures may not reach the same heights as in summer, the kelp will be coming back to life and sea critters will start to be more active again. Gear haul tags are available for purchase at Two Harbors Visitor Services upon arrival. The CaliCase Waterproof 20L Dry Bag keeps your belongings dry in the wettest conditions. Because its a little further from the center of Avalon and there are fewer non-snorkeling activities, Lover Cove makes for a much more secluded snorkeling experience. Just make sure to purchase your snorkeling gear from a dedicated retailer so you can stay safe underwater. Emerald Bay is located on the west end of Catalina about 2 NM Northwest of the Isthmus side of Two Harbors. Insider Tips for Snorkeling on Catalina Island. The closest point on the island to the mainland is the town of Avalon, Catalinas largest town thatwraps around Avalon Bay on the southeast end of the island. 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. Reservations are required for Little Harbor Campground so check the website for more information. Additional snorkeling destinations including. . Absolutely! The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 35 to 45 minutes in-waterStarts at $59 ppLocation:Casino Point. Most rental places will provide a wetsuit if you would like one. On this episode we awake under hook at Santa Barbara Island. http://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoSidemount, Kelp forest marine life images, DVD's for sale, and archived "Dive Dry with Dr. Bill" newspaper columns. If you can manage, some of the prettiest spots for snorkeling include. From Two Harbors, Little Harbor is accessible by a moderately strenuous 5.14 mile hike on the Trans-Catalina Trail, or a 7 mile bike ride alongan unpaved road. Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttle. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Coordinate your CaliCase Sand-Free Towel with your CaliCase Waterproof Phone Case and you'll be set for the ball at the beach! During the winter months, you will need at least a 3mm wetsuit, but if you want to stay in the water longer you could use up to a 4/3mm wetsuit. The beach is small, with a few tables in the sand and a couple more, along with a vault toilet, on the road leading down to the beach. Stop by 708 Crescent Avenue, call 310-510-1445 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org. While snorkeling is definitely going to be a highlight of your trip, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on Catalina Island! Take a Catalina Island Undersea Expedition, Take a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Visit and Learn About the Catalina Island Casino, Conclusion: Snorkeling in Catalina Island. It depends on the time of the year, but yes, its likely you will want to snorkel in a wetsuit. The CO2 builds up inside your mask until it becomes toxic. Casino Point Dive Park is located just off Avalon, Catalina's largest town. I'll bring the reel. Doctor/Physician. Whether you are riding an underwater scooter or just wandering on your own, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. >>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO. Are There Sea Turtles on Catalina Island? Take a Catalina Island Undersea Expedition, Take a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Visit and Learn About the Catalina Island Casino, How to Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach, Incredible Things to Do on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, A Guide to Working Remotely Abroad For a U.S. Company, Jobs in Ireland for Americans: How to Find Work as an Expat. 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. Unlike the Hawaiian Islands where you can rent a Jeep and drive [], If you visit the town of Two Harbors chances are that youll be looking for a store and this is pretty much your only option. Located on the more remote northern end of Catalina Island, this snorkeling sanctuary offers a peaceful escape from Avalon and is a worthy destination thats worth the trip. CAMPING SUPPORT SERVICES. Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center Rent Your Toys Here. 310-510-1520. The daily high temperature ranges from a low of 59F (15C) to a high of 71F (22C) throughout the year, while the daily low temperatures range from a low of 43F (6C) to a high of 57F (14C). Being further from the city than Lovers Cove and Casino Point Park, the area doesnt have as many visitors as the other two. Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Healthcare Consultant. Catalina Island Snorkeling: Southern California has it allsun, sand, surf and some of the best snorkeling in the world. Catalina is an island waiting to be explored by the whole family! 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). 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! Two Harbors. Avalon itself is on southeastern tip of the island, which is also the closest part of Catalina to the mainland. Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Medical Specialist, Healthcare Consultant. The island of Catalina is essentially divided up into two main sides: Avalon and Two Harbors. Whether you like snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean or pitching horseshoes after a barbeque, Two Harbors has the facilities. Lessons, rentals and guided dive trips are available. It is perhaps the most popular snorkeling spot on the entire island. Recommended for individuals and couples traveling without kids. 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. 2022 Calendar: Holidays And Notable Events. On a trip like this, you will need to choose your snorkeling mask very carefully and chances are you will go for something that covers your entire face its the in thing anyways! It has 117 moorings and anchorage for over 200. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. Avalon is the main resort city on the island with daily ferries/boats that come from the mainland of California. Please login and you will add product to your wishlist, The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. Casino Point Dive Park. Where Can You Find Tours?I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests. Play at the casino, enjoy your favorite seafood, and watch movies til dawnall while enjoying a cool breeze from the sea. You will instead see magnificent kelp forests while snorkeling here! Of course, it also depends on how sensitive you are to the cold as well. 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. $399 $379. Dont worry about sharks while snorkeling on Catalina because they very rarely come close to the island. Full Time position. Catalina Harbor Light (3325'24N., 11830'50W. 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. You will cruise around Catalina 5 feet underwater to take in the sea life without having to get wet. 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. Whether you like snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean or pitching horseshoes after a barbeque, Two Harbors has the facilities. Mondays 10:00 AM-3:00PM. 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. To get to the island, ferries from several points off the California coastline are available, as are airplane rides. Please watch the weather. Once you get down there, youll appreciate what has affectionately been termed an underwater garden, complete with vibrant fish and other water critters, as well as fascinating shipwrecks begging to be explored. Here are some of the places to snorkel while in Catalina. If you have any other questions, please leave a detailed message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you as possible. Option one: Catch the Catalin Express to Avalon and then take the . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. How to go snorkeling at French Key? and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Some of our favorite snorkeling spots include Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, Casino Point Dive Park and the waters around Descanso Beach. Hi, my name is Janelle. -Ed.]. In fact, Scuba Diving Magazine honored Two Harbors as the The Worlds Healthiest Marine Environment, with underwater visibility of up to 100 feet, as well as impressively large sections of kelp forests, along with abundant fish and invertebrate life. These beaches make it possible to enter to start your snorkeling session by simply wading into the water, but kayak-snorkeling is also popular. Happy snorkeling! Cold-water, outdoor showers Have you ever wanted to get up close to a dolphin? Open daily from 8am to 4pm. There are a handful of hotels and campgrounds on the island, but a snorkeling adventure can be a great day trip while visiting Long Beach, Newport Beach, LA, or other SoCal destinations. Will There Be Sea Lions While Snorkeling? For the purpose of this Catalina Island itinerary article, I will mainly discuss exploring the side of Two Harbors. 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. A bus called the Safari Bus takes campers to Little Harbor from the ferry dock in either Two Harbors or Avalon, however its closer to Two Harbors where backpackers often walk the seven miles to camp via roads and trails. However, due to its popularity, it can be quite crowded and more expensive. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. However, you will experience a more secluded dive because the area is also a little tucked away from the city center. It is also one of the campgrounds along the popular 38.5 mile Trans-Catalina Trail hike. Protects your phone by land and by sea! Box 217, Avalon, CA 90704 Casino Point Dive Park is found off Avalon and is a famous snorkeling spot for underwater explorers. Purchase your favorite food and drinks from the Two Harbors General Store and have your items delivered directly to your campsite at Little Harbor. Guestscomingfrom San Pedro on the mainland typically arrive via a high-speed ferry, but there are more than 700 moorings for rent to dock private boats. Two Harbors is the closest place for supplies and in the morning is generally a qu 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. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Tuesday through Thursday -closed for rentals You will have plenty to see while snorkeling around Catalina from an assortment of fish to marine mammals and all sorts of underwater creatures! Located on Catalinas west end, Two Harbors is only22 miles from the Southern California mainland. About this rental. 3. Scheduled gear hauls leaveLittle Harbor for Two Harbors at 9:00 am daily, and leave Two Harbors forLittle Harbor at 1:00 pm daily. With a roped-off area to keep swimmers safe, the underwater garden is packed with colorful sea life and shipwrecks. Human beings inhale oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. If you are a watersports junkie, there are a good deal of activities that you can do in the Marine protected areas. Two Harbors is one of the quietest Santa Catalina diving spots. They are pretty regular, year-round inhabitants of the California coasts. If you are looking for a more remote area, away from the citys hustle and bustle, then this is it. So even though you will be away from the city, you can bring a couple of beach toys and enjoy sunbathing after snorkeling. Others pls feel free to correct these approximations: Isthmus: 0.25 miles (probably the best bet as it is covered in life and structure and ranges from 6ft to 90ft in depth) Bird Rock: 0.50 miles. The last part of the trail has you do an interior loop of the island that ends at Parsons . 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. 1. Friday through Sunday - 8:00 AM-4:30PM Most of the snorkeling action happens at Isthmus Cove Harbor with underwater visibility of up to 100 feet. We get a visit from our marina neighbor Sam of SV Yardbird who sailed up and dropped his hook at sunset. If you decide to go diving here, make sure to be on the lookout for glass bottom boat tourists, heavy-tanked scuba divers, and other underwater enthusiasts. Lovers cove is a great destination for the whole family. Visit ourTwo Harbor Scuba Divingpage for more information and pricing for SCUBA rentals. It has been several years since I have been to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Little Harbor's cool waters with your young ones at the shallow waters. From its world-renowned status as a premier snorkeling destination to its phenomenal kelp forests (which are some of the best in the world! A natural sand spit extends across a portion of the harbor entrance. location_on Jetski2catalina, LA . Recognized by. Cars are not allowed on Catalina without a permit, but there are car services and golf cart rentals availableand suggestedto help you get around the island. Sam is currently preparing to sail to . (sorry, no bungee cords allowed on gear for gear haul transport!). If you need an affordable and quaint beach-style place to stay in Catalina, Seacrest Inn will work great for you. CaliCase Sand Resistant Towels are plush, sand resistant, and vibrant! 2023 Love Catalina. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. As its name suggests, the dive park is next to Avalon's largest casino. Here are five of the best places to snorkel on Catalina: 1. What Can You See While Snorkeling on Catalina Island? Two Harbors was made for having fun. There are many activities available. I would highly recommend camping at Little Harbor as it is stunning. The kelp is most prominent during the summer months and dies off in the winter months. You can arrange to pick up your gear from their two locations: Casino Point DiveParkand/or theGreen Pleasure Pier. Here are some tips to make your escape happen. Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. Have any of you done any diving/snorkeling here? If you'd like, you can hike at the scenic hilltops along the harbor or camp through the night. In general, outfitters require that you have experience for nighttime tours, so theyre better for individuals and couples traveling without kids. Expect to see plant life such as giant kelp, along with aquatic creatures like schooling fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, spiny lobsters, horn sharks, tree fish and colorful Garibaldis. If youre looking for the island to be a little less busy, try coming in the spring (April to May) instead. Find out HERE! It is perhaps the most popular snorkeling spot on the entire island. In case you don't want to pack all your toys with you on the trip over, the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center rents all sorts of recreation equipment, including snorkel gear . Our Ocean Safari puts you in the middle of Pacific Dolphins pods that are playful, curious and ready to . In this configuration, offered either as part of a guided group or on your own, special dive-kayaks allow you to paddle out to the ideal location, then enter the water to snorkel. An unforgettable proposal on a salt-sprayed overlook. 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. while visiting Long Beach, Newport Beach, LA, or other SoCal destinations. The highest platform is at about [], Most of Catalina is remote land with trails and unpaved roads for getting around. Buy your mask from a trusted seller. We stopped at Airport in the Sky for a drink (or two) and had lunch at Little Harbor. CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS & TO CHECK AVAILABILITY. Little Harbor is 19 miles from Avalon. Visibility is great and the surf is usually calm. The result? Rentals are first come first serve unless going to a boat-in-only campsite or are booking for 8 rentals or more. Bedroom2; Baths2; Property typeCondo; Max Sleeps5; Min Stay30 Nights; 2 master suites townhome (1700 SqFt), Incredible ocean/port view, top of the hill, fully furnished, Brand new all wood flooring throughout the living-room and dining room, remodeled kitchen, 2 car attached garage, Balcony overlooking the Long Beach port and ocean. Selected camping equipment is available fromTwo Harbors Visitor Services. Its close to Avalon Bay, shops, and restaurants plus its clean and the beds are comfortable. Emerald Bay. Tours organized by dive shops, or private charter boats, can take you to such excellent snorkeling sites as Goat Harbor (also a boat-in campsite), midway between Avalon and Two Harbors; Isthmus Harbor, Eagle Reef, Ship Rock, and Bird Rock, all near Two Harbors on the leeward side; Lobster Bay, just west of Catalina Harbor on the windward side . Campers can check in at the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center in Two Harbors. From Avalon, transportation is available via theCatalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttleor Catalina Taxi & Tours taxi service (310.510.0025). Camp Chairs are now available as an add on to your kayak reservation. If you are calling about pricing, please refer to the pricingbelow.