The oily yellow-brown fronds of giant kelp float in a tangle on the surface while below, brilliant yellow and orange California Garabaldi dart through the stalks, leopard sharks skim across the bottom and Dungeness crab skitter through the sand. Typical of much of Southern California’s rocky shorelines, kelp forests, the sea life they support, and the clear blue water surrounding them make snorkeling in California a unique experience.
Catalina Island
- Some of Southern California's best snorkeling is at Catalina Island, a desert island about 26 miles off the coast from Los Angeles. The island's best snorkeling area, Lover’s Cove, is south of Avalon, Catalina's only town. The area features shallow water with a rocky entry accessible along a walk path from town. Lover’s Cove is an underwater sanctuary, so the abundant fish, including the bright yellow Garibaldi, Calfornia’s state fish, and other denizens swimming through the kelp forests off the rocky points aren’t timid and often eat out of a snorkeler’s hands. Visibility is quite good, sometimes up to 40 feet or more in depths from 10 to about 25 feet. The water can be quite chilly, however, so a wetsuit might be needed. Several charter companies provide both sea and air transportation from the mainland to Avalon on a regular basis.
Topaz Jetty
- About 13 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles is the Topaz Jetty in Redondo Beach. When the ocean swells are running from the south, conditions on the north side of the granite boulder, man-made jetty are ideal for snorkeling. The area has a sandy beach entry. Depths range from about 12 feet to nearly 40 at the tip of the jetty. On calm days, visibility can be quite good, and the rocks abound with sea anemones and sea stars. A whole variety of different crabs cluster near the rocks on the bottom along with an occasional Pacific lobster or octopus. About 100 yards northwest of the jetty are the remnants of Redondo Beach Pier number three. The remaining pilings are about 40 feet down. Street parking is plentiful on the Esplanade above Topaz Street Beach.
Malaga Cove
- On the southern tip of the Santa Monica Bay between Torrance Beach and Palos Verdes Estates is Malaga Cove. Although the beach entry into the water is over loose rocks that can be treacherous, the area has clear water with visibility up to 40 feet. Kelp forests and mermaid’s-hair sea grass line rocky bottoms that occasionally break into sandy patches in depths of 15 to 25 feet. Garibaldi abound in this area, as do leopard sharks, sea stars, sand bass, calico bass, decorator crabs and bat rays. There are a lot of small schooling fish to swim through, and loads of octopi hiding in the rocky crevasses. Free parking is in a lot on Palos Verdes Drive South, and a sloping foot path leads down to the beach.
La Jolla Cove
- La Jolla Cove is a small beach between two sandstone cliffs a short walk from downtown La Jolla in San Diego County. Due to the clarity of the water, ease of entry and its inclusion as part of the 6,000 acre La Jolla Underwater Park, the cove is extremely popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. Since the clear, shallow waters and kelp forests the area contains are under the constraints of an ecological preserve, the abundant sea life isn’t shy. Garibaldi, half moon, yellow tail, rockfish and schools of sardine are common. From June to November, the shallow bottom entertains large numbers of leopard sharks that come to La Jolla Cove to spawn. Fascinating to watch, leopard sharks are not dangerous to snorkelers. Parking is plentiful in town, and the beach is just a short walk away.
