Officially 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! Just make sure to purchase your snorkeling gear from a dedicated retailer so you can stay safe underwater. Whether you like snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean or pitching horseshoes after a barbeque, Two Harbors has the facilities. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. We'll deliver your cooler with a bag of ice to Little Harbor for $35. 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. Keep in Mind. Renting a golf cart is recommended. The beach, hiking, and snorkeling make this place one of the best spots to spend a quiet weekend on Catalina. The same goe. You can also find sea turtles here! Located on Catalinas west end, Two Harbors is only22 miles from the Southern California mainland. snorkeling little harbor catalina. 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. (For a truly remote beach camping experience, check out Little Harbor Campground, about seven miles east 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. 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. The kelp is most prominent during the summer months and dies off in the winter months. (sorry, no bungee cords allowed on gear for gear haul transport!). Should You Rent a Car in California?I very highly recommendrenting a carin California so you dont miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! Check out CaliCase for an easy way to make your own phone waterproof. >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: ONeill Wetsuits, >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: Spring Suits, >>> CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL: Rash Guards. 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. Box 217, Avalon, CA 90704 310-510-1520 Catalina Backcountry - 310-913-9036. Rent all types of aquatic toys and equipmentsnorkel and SCUBA gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, beach umbrellas, wetsuitsfrom Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center and explore the island's turquoise coves. For site verification or to add on any camping supplies, please call the Two Harbors Visitor Services at 310.510.4205. Here are the top places to rent snorkel gear. Is There Good Snorkeling in Catalina Island? What else (yes, this is your opinion) should we see/do while there? And-snorkelin, Where to see the sea life? However, you will experience a more secluded dive because the area is also a little tucked away from the city center. PARK RANGER (37000681) SUPERVISOR: Bill Nash, Assistant Park Manager. Explore the undersea gardens around Catalina Island while staying completely dry. Pricing starts at $8 for 2 hours of snorkel and mask rental, $6 for fins, and $15 for a 3mm wetsuit. A natural sand spit extends across a portion of the harbor entrance. 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. Snorkelers can wade into waist-deep . 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. Option one: Catch the Catalin Express to Avalon and then take the . In addition, check out nighttime snorkeling tours, which gives you a close-up view of the more sunlight-shy sea life. Marked by the islands massive casino a gathering place and entertainment complex designed to evoke a Mediterranean flavor Casino Point is a mecca for underwater explorers. Recommended activities in August 2023 at Baobab Beach Resort, Diani, Kenya (diving included), Airlie Beach & Surrounds (no boat access; best spot for Shore - Snorkeling wanted; Got Car! (239)633-3391. Reservations are required and are 1 Green Pleasure Pier P.O. The best part is that you dont need to drain your savings to make Catalina your holiday destination. This blog is meant to help you create your dream lifestyle through travel. 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. You will instead see magnificent kelp forests while snorkeling here! Thanks for the info. Job in Boca Raton - Palm Beach County - FL Florida - USA , 33427. 1 Green Pleasure Pier Los Angeles-based Entertainment, Dining, Health, and Arts, Rolling Stones Author To Visit Los Angeles, Grandmother of Pearl Roxy Music at the Kia Forum. The Trans Catalina Trail backpacking route passes by Little Harbor CG which is about the mid-point of the route. Learn The History Of Walking, Types of Pranayama (And Benefits) To Fuel The Beginner Yoga Practice, Other great snorkeling is to be had along the many little coves and tiny beaches of Catalinas coastline, of course, but youll either need to access a public beach by traversing private land, or by boat. To get to the island, ferries depart regularly from several points off the California coast. Only then you will be sure that CO2 is being expelled the right way. Please call 310.510.2229. Jetski Adventure To Catalina Island. 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. Day 1: Boat into Avalon from Long Beach and hike to Black Jack (roughly 10 miles). To attract marine life, hand-feeding the fish is permitted on some tours. ), 400 feet above the water, is shown from a pole on Catalina Head, on the W side of the harbor entrance. And depending on the time of the year you are visiting, you may even bump into a monster black sea bass. And with plenty of tours and affordable lodging options, Catalina is a great destination for watersport lovers on any budget. Large stretches of sandy beaches make it possible to start your snorkeling session by simply wading into the water. From January to April you might catch a humpback whale or grey whale and from May to September be on the lookout for blue whales and finback whales. Please browse through our website and see what interests you. In fact, this Catalina Island snorkeling spot in particular has been named one of the Worlds Healthiest Marine Environments by Scuba Diving Magazine. 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! Catalina Island Travel Guide Getting Here Will There Be Sea Lions While Snorkeling? Please login and you will add product to your wishlist, The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. Skyscanner FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal, Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?No, its not.However, its always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. The CO2 builds up inside your mask until it becomes toxic. Lovers cove is a great destination for the whole family. Catering to the Little Harbor Camper, we set you up with kayaks for the day or the weekend. 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 is an island waiting to be explored by the whole family! Tthe second-largest village on the island, theres a lot less hustle and bustleon "Catalina's Other Side. 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). Here is some information snorkeling around Two Harbors. Happy snorkeling! Everything you need . Open daily from 8am to 4pm. Kayaks are rented for 24-hour periods and available from noon to noon with a multiple day discount. Make sure to save this post to refer back to when youre ready to book your Catalina Island trip! Davis, CA. Little Harbor Campground: 23 sites 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 along an unpaved road.. From Avalon, transportation is available via the Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands Express Shuttle or Catalina Taxi & Tours taxi service (310.510.0025). It's too cold now (December) but we may come back later. You can call the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center for updates on closures, 310.510.4205. Marine life: Calico bass, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, orange Garibaldi fish, colorful schooling fish, lobster,and mackerel. But Casino Point Park is a public sanctuary, and therefore, it is not exclusively for snorkelers. Here are some tips to make your escape happen. I've never done it, but I hear you can rent a kayak and cruise to some locations just outside of Two Harbors. 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. If you'd like, you can hike at the scenic hilltops along the harbor or camp through the night. No cars are allowed on Catalina without permit, however, so be prepared to take a car service or rent a golf cart once you arrive. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Some of our favorite snorkeling spots include Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, Casino Point Dive Park and the waters around Descanso Beach. I would highly recommend camping at Little Harbor as it is stunning. Scenic tours are available and golf carts as well as bicycles are available to explore on your own. Rent a cabana, lounge on the shore, swim in the water, and enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand! CAMPING SUPPORT SERVICES. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.