It has been several years since I have been to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. This trip is also called the Shark Harbor Paddle Board Adventure, but also includes your choice of snorkeling, surfing, disc golf, mountain biking and more. Like Lovers Cove, this section of the island is a good spot for couples and for family getaways. Purchase your favorite food and drinks from the Two Harbors General Store and have your items delivered directly to your campsite at Little Harbor. Day trips and affordable lodging options make the island a great option on any budget, as does the plethora of protected land allowing for access for swimming, boating and snorkeling. 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. Of course, Santa Catalina is also an awesome place for snorkeling. Saltar hasta el contenido principal. 3. In fact, this Catalina Island snorkeling spot in particular has been named one of the Worlds Healthiest Marine Environments by Scuba Diving Magazine. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The area also has a large stretch of sandy beaches that allow visitors to participate in a wide variety of watersports including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. What Can You See While Snorkeling on Catalina Island? 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! However, due to its popularity, it can be quite crowded and more expensive. Sea lions and sea otters, Catalina Island - best way to get there and tour ideas, El Terado Terrace Mini Suites & Townhomes. While you can go on your own if you have snorkeling experience, local tour companies offer unique adventures. Two Harbors is one of the quietest Santa Catalina diving spots. Where Should You Stay in California?Hotels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available for accommodation. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. von | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | -Ed.]. Two Harbors was made for having fun. Rated "One of the Best Campgrounds in the West" by Sunset Magazine, Little Harbor Campground is perfect for campers who enjoy playing on the beach or in the water. View the beautiful art deco murals and explore the Avalon Theatre and Casino Ballroom. It is also one of the campgrounds along the popular 38.5 mile Trans-Catalina Trail hike. Learn more! Manage Settings We are your one stop shop for water fun! Our Ocean Safari puts you in the middle of Pacific Dolphins pods that are playful, curious and ready to . So even though you will be away from the city, you can bring a couple of beach toys and enjoy sunbathing after snorkeling. Jetski Adventure To Catalina Island. Most snorkeling and diving happens at Isthmus Cove. See you at Catalina. 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 The CaliCase Waterproof 20L Dry Bag keeps your belongings dry in the wettest conditions. Renting a golf cart is recommended. The crescent-shaped cove is a protected area with large swaths of giant kelp forests and abundant marine life. Bring your sense of adventure, we'll handle the planning! Shark Harbor Campground: 3 sites. About this rental. You certainly dont have to be a movie star to come to Catalina, however. as The Worlds Healthiest Marine Environment, with underwater visibility of up to 100 feet, there are impressively large sections of kelp forests, along with abundant fish and invertebrate life. Snorkeling Catalina is located approximately 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach, CA on beautiful Catalina Island. MOST POPULAR POSTS:A Guide to Working Remotely Abroad For a U.S. CompanyJobs in Ireland for Americans: How to Find Work as an Expat57 Best Things to Do in South Bay, LA, Copyright 2023 Make the Trip Matter | Privacy Policy, Stroll around the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens. A few things you might see while snorkeling here: No, there are some corals but not a coral reef. 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. Scenic tours are available and golf carts as well as bicycles are available to explore on your own. 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. Lover's Cove is situated off of Avalon, the largest town in Catalina. Marine life: Calico bass, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, orange Garibaldi fish, colorful schooling fish, mackerel,and lobster. Camp Chairs are now available as an add on to your kayak reservation. 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. Re: Snorkeling near Two Harbors and/or Little Harbor? With a roped-off area to keep swimmers safe, the underwater garden is packed with colorful sea life and shipwrecks. Two Harbors. 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. You can call the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center for updates on closures, 310.510.4205. History buffs will love learning the unique history of the Catalina Island Casino with this brief tour. We will be staying a few days at Two Harbors, Catalina Island. 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 CO2 builds up inside your mask until it becomes toxic. 4. 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. During the summer, when the water has warmed up and its warm out you will be fine swimming without a wetsuit. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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! $399 $379. Little Harbor, on Catalina Island's back side, is a great day trip from Avalon that offers a number of adventures. He hand paddled over to us with his flippers because he lost his oars at Catalina. 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. While we are there why not check out the snorkeling/diving spots? However, at any other time of the year you might want a spring suit to keep you warm or at the very least a rash guard or a long sleeve swimsuit to keep you from burning in the sun and protected from brushing up on any rocks or spikey critters such as sea urchins. Gear hauls are available for $16.00 one way or $31.00 round trip per item or bag. What is this "too cold now" of which you speak? Who Invented Walking? 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! 1. Find out HERE! However, if you want the full experience and to learn more about what lies beneath the ocean surface, then take part in one of the guided snorkeling tours most of which provide all the necessary gear included in their prices. While snorkeling is definitely going to be a highlight of your trip, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on Catalina Island! The best place to keep your phone, wallet, and cash dry and protected from the elements. See a variety of plant and animal life including sea lions, calico bass, Garibaldi & more. 5. There are a handful of hotels and campgrounds on the island, but a snorkeling adventure can be a great day trip. A stunning island located off the coast of southern California, Catalina is known for its spectacular marine life and stunning views making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore a unique and diverse environment from beneath the waves. Therefore, its not exclusive to snorkelers. Most snorkeling is done off the shore of Isthmus Cove, on the northern side of the isthmus. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care. Shark Harbor is an enclosed sandy cove on the backside of Catalina Island's interior. So if youre looking for a more private snorkeling experience, then Lovers Cove is the perfect spot! 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. Snorkeling near Two Harbors and/or Little Harbor? Also great snorkeling along the shallow shelf that extends northwest of Bird Rock. Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club. Perfect for rafting, kayaking, paddling, fishing, sailing, camping, surfing, or simply relaxing at the beach. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Located off Avalon Bay in the southeastern portion of Catalina Island lies the beautiful Lovers Cove Marine Preserve. Its extremely likely you will see some dolphins on the boat ride as well. All Rights Reserved. Catalina Island is definitely a place worth snorkeling in. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. 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. Photo by Elise Thompson. The wildlife refuge is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, thanks to its white sand beaches, shallow coral reefs, turquoise waters, mangrove ecosystems, and dense rainforests. Sites LH10, LH11, LH12, SH8, SH9 and SH10 are beachfront. Option one: Catch the Catalin Express to Avalon and then take the . My friend who is going with me, has never been there. Casino Point Dive Park. Some allow you to hand-feed the fish yourself, while others throw bait from the boat, drawing plenty of marine life around you once you jump from the boat. If youre looking for the island to be a little less busy, try coming in the spring (April to May) instead. Chemical toilets The resort includes property beach club access as well as spa services and special touches like a bottle of champagne upon your arrival. You exhale more carbon dioxide that you take in oxygen, and since you are in an enclosed space it gets harder to push all the CO2 out. P.O. Catalina Express has ferries that depart daily to Catalina Island from the mainland in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Dana Point. 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. *Weekends have a 2 night minimum (May - October);holidays have a 3 night minimum. Sure, full face snorkel masks are fancy but being new in the market, they have some limitations too. Directions to Campground. Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise as you head . 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. There are a handful of hotels and campgrounds on the island, but a snorkeling outing can also be experienced as a day trip. Marine life: Calico bass, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, orange Garibaldi fish, colorful schooling fish, lobster,and mackerel. This is the second major village of the island behind Avalon, but dont expect much hustle and bustle from a town that boasts only a hotel and restaurant or two, along with a general store and tiny school. Thanks for the info. However, if you live in California or just kind of get the ick with borrowing wetsuits that other people have worn, here are some good standard options that I use to swim year-round in the California ocean. Also known as the Avalon Dive Park, this marine preserve caters to snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts, with easy-access stairs into the water, as well as booths and shops offering equipment rental and guided tour possibilities, complete with optional underwater camera rentals. Additional snorkeling destinations including. There is a reason why Santa Catalina is so charmingit is filled with beautiful hidden harbors, beaches, and coves, and the waters are brimmed with eye-catching sea life. Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttle. This tour is the best all-around for instruction, length of time in the water, and price point. Getting There is Easy. If youre looking for a serene and unspoiled snorkeling spot that offers a more exclusive experience, then Two Harbors is the place for you!