There’s something special about snorkeling. You can put on your mask, pop in a snorkel, and kick along the surface of the water in your fins—all the while exploring and observing a whole new world underwater. While we are big fans of scuba diving, snorkeling is one of the simplest ways to immerse yourself in the underwater world. It’s a great experience if you’re looking for an ocean adventure. Snorkeling on Catalina is unparalleled. You don’t need any prior snorkel skills to participate; you just need to be able to swim. Read on for a complete guide to snorkeling on Catalina Island.
First, you’ve got to get there. Plan your Catalina trip with one of the popular transportation options from the mainland. You can take a ferry from the Southern California cities of Long Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro. There’s also the option to take a helicopter flight to the island. Many visitors choose to come by their own sailboat, fishing boat, or yacht. Once you arrive, get ready to dive into the gorgeous ocean waters.
Decide which time of year to go. Summer is such a popular time for snorkeling. However, Catalina waters are clear all year round. Plan a spring getaway or a winter weekend. Just be ready to rent a wetsuit from Catalina Divers Supply to brave the cooler ocean temps.
Be prepared. When you’re coming to stay on Catalina, you’ll pack your bags for all kinds of adventures: dinners in Avalon, hikes around the island, and days by the beach. Why not leave the snorkel gear prep to the experts? At Catalina Divers Supply, we are prepared to help you navigate the waters around Catalina. At our dive shop, you can rent or buy masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. Gear is available to rent at both our Catalina Casino location and our Green Pier location. Purchases can be made at our dive shop in the Catalina Casino building.
Pick an ideal spot to snorkel. On an island, you’re surrounded by water, so there are snorkel spots galore! But know that the snorkel experts at Catalina Divers Supply have scouted out some of the best locations to see amazing marine life and explore gorgeous kelp gardens.
· The Casino Point Underwater Park is a favorite for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. It is a protected area with abundant marine life and convenient entry into the water. Bonus: You can snorkel right in the shadow of the iconic Catalina Casino building.
· Lovers Cove is quite accessible from the town of Avalon, located right down the road from the main beaches. This marine reserve is free of boat anchors and moorings, which makes it a natural playground for all kinds of sea life.
Know what you’re doing. There are some basics you may want to familiarize yourself with before embarking on a snorkel adventure. The experts at Catalina Divers Supply can help you with skills like properly using your gear, basic breathing techniques, and clearing your snorkel mask. Safety in the water is always important; snorkeling with a buddy is key, as is being aware of boat and other water craft traffic in the area. Questions before you go? Ask at Catalina Divers Supply; we have decades of experience.
Get to know the locals. Learning a bit about what to look for when you’re in the waters around Catalina is a great idea. The kelp forest is an amazing underwater ecosystem with plenty of marine life thriving in and around it. Chances are you’ll see at least a few bright orange garibaldi—California’s state marine fish. Be on the lookout for the giant sea bass –these fish top the food chain in the ecosystem of the kelp forest. You might even swim near a harbor seal in a Catalina Island cove. Catalina Divers Supply offers fish ID cards to help you identify fish during your snorkeling adventure.
Take it to the next level. If you’ve spent a few days on shore in Avalon, you may want to level up for your next snorkeling adventure. Check out these options from Catalina Divers Supply:
· Go Eco-Snorkeling by boat: Book a day on our boat, the SCUBA Cat. Captain and crew will take you to a great snorkel location. A trained staff member will join your group in the water. This is not a guided trip; it’s open to snorkelers who can swim and who are comfortable in deep water. Booking this trip includes your snorkel gear and bottled water.
· Take an Eco-guided Snorkeling Tour at Casino Dive Park: On this adventure, a dive master will guide you through the underwater park. Here, visibility can range from 40 feet to 100 feet. This excursion departs from the shore of the Casino Dive Park, and tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours. Mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit are included. Snorkelers must be 8 or older, and all participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water.
Let us help you. Catalina Divers Supply can help to provide all that you need to have a fabulous snorkeling adventure—no matter your level of experience. We’d love to help you plan a memorable trip. Check out our website, or give us a call to book your snorkel adventure.
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