High-speed ferries from the mainlanddock at the Cabrillo Mole boat landing, just a short walk to the main part of town. They are often swimming up and down the coast of southern California! 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. 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. 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. If reservation is cancelled within 72 hours of the reservation start date the camping fees will be refunded. Visit ourTwo Harbor Scuba Divingpage for more information and pricing for SCUBA rentals. 5000. Here is some information snorkeling around Two Harbors. more. Catalina is served exclusively by SCE's one generating facility located near the island's only city, Avalon. 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. 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. 1. Have any of you done any diving/snorkeling here? You could even walk along the small cliff most of the way there and then carefully jump in the water (have tough feet or bring watershoes/flipflops though). Gasparilla Island State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a park ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. Make sure to reserve your ferry tickets in advance! Whether you're catching waves, or just catching some rays, the CaliCase Sand-Free Towel is perfect for days at the beach and summers by the pool. Recommended for individuals and couples traveling without kids. Marine life: Schooling fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, spiny lobsters, horn sharks, tree fish, black sea bass, mackerel,and colorful Garibaldi. Jetski Adventure To Catalina Island. Pick up a single-use cooler from the Two Harbors General Store and stock up on groceries like fresh fruit and vegetables, hot dogs, sandwich items, beer, wine, and more! For the purpose of this Catalina Island itinerary article, I will mainly discuss exploring the side of Two Harbors. Keep the memories, but leave the sand at the beach where it belongs. A perfect spot for families and newbies, visibility is great and the surf is usually calm. You can also take a tour on the Garibaldi. 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. *Weekends have a 2 night minimum (May - October);holidays have a 3 night minimum. To get to the island, ferries from several points off the California coastline are available, as are airplane rides. This gorgeous hotel overlooks Avalon Bay and is close to all the best things to do from the Descanso Beach Club to the best snorkeling spots and is just one minute from the Catalina Island Golf Course. 4. French Key is near French Harbor. Here are the top places to rent snorkel gear. It depends on the time of the year, but yes, its likely you will want to snorkel in a wetsuit. and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Please browse through our website and see what interests you. Located off Avalon Bay in the southeastern portion of Catalina Island lies the beautiful Lovers Cove Marine Preserve. What better way to explore and familiarize yourself with the island than to start with a golf cart tour? Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttle. CaliCase Sand Resistant Towels are plush, sand resistant, and vibrant! Marine life: Calico bass, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, orange Garibaldi fish, colorful schooling fish, mackerel,and lobster. Whether you are riding an underwater scooter or just wandering on your own, you are guaranteed to have . Dont worry about sharks while snorkeling on Catalina because they very rarely come close to the island. Here are five of the best places to snorkel on Catalina: 1. 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. 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. We will be staying a few days at Two Harbors, 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! CAMPING SUPPORT SERVICES. 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. Below are three of the best places for seeing underwater life at Santa Catalina. 3. Day 2: Black Jack to Two Harbors (roughly 13 miles). How to go snorkeling at French Key? Snorkeling Catalina offers several snorkeling options, as well as options for those wanting to explore the waters without getting wet. The only downside is that there is not a sandy beach, so it may not be the best spot if you wanted to include beach activities on the days itinerary. The CO2 builds up inside your mask until it becomes toxic. Renting a golf cart is recommended. The good news is that [], High above the main port city of Avalon on Catalina Island there are five long zip lines that will challenge your fear of heights. 5% off. You are using an out of date browser. Eighteen campsites are tent-only and 11 can accommodate tents or trailers. 2428. My friend who is going with me, has never been there. *Firewood, fire starters, charcoal & propane can be added to your reservation by calling Two Harbors Visitor Services. So here is an overview of the best spots for the sport as well as information on how to stay safe inside your snorkeling mask. Although youll need to carry in your own gear or rent it elsewhere, the area, known by locals as Cat Harbor is the most protected cove off Catalina. Davis, CA. Diving Catalina Power, Night, or Traditional Snorkel Tours, Where to Rent Snorkeling Gear on Catalina Island, Top 3 Best Spots to Snorkel in Catalina Island, Best Time of Year for Snorkeling in Catalina Island. Shark Harbor is an enclosed sandy cove on the backside of Catalina Island's interior. 21210. Avalon is the main resort city on the island with daily ferries/boats that come from the mainland of California. Catalina Harbor Catalina Harbor, the other of the "two harbors" in Two Harbors, has a public dock and a small spit of land from which snorkelers and divers enter the water.Although you'll need to carry in your own gear or rent it elsewhere, the area, known by locals as "Cat Harbor" is the most . Many of us want to experience the outdoors while we [], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.comAbout Us | ContactPrivacy Policy | Terms of Use, NavigateBeachesMapsArticlesHotelsRestaurantsAttractions, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Catalina Island Camping and Boat-In Beaches. Eagle Reef: 1.25 miles. Read through this complete guide to find everything you need to know about snorkeling in Catalina Island. The most commonway to getto and from the island is on theCatalina Expressferry with year-round boat transportation and up to 30 departures daily. 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. Rentals are first come first serve unless going to a boat-in-only campsite or are booking for 8 rentals or more. But Casino Point Park is a public sanctuary, and therefore, it is not exclusively for snorkelers. >>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO. You will instead see magnificent kelp forests while snorkeling here! Located about seven miles east of Two Harbors and 19miles from Avalon, Little Harbor is a sandy, beachfront campground with lots of opportunities for recreation. There is no shortage of great places to snorkel around Catalina Island, but if youre looking for the most popular and top spots to snorkel, here they are! See a variety of plant and animal life including sea lions, calico bass, Garibaldi & more. From its world-renowned status as a premier snorkeling destination to its phenomenal kelp forests (which are some of the best in the world! If you are looking for a serene snorkeling destination in LA, you know where to start. Are you dreaming of exploring a wild, exotic paradise? Boaters, swimmers, and scuba divers converge on this part of the world to get close to the elusive sea life. They are [], The Safari Bus is how you get around on Catalina Island if you plan to leave the towns. The highest platform is at about [], Most of Catalina is remote land with trails and unpaved roads for getting around. Winter averages 59F (15C), spring 60F (15.5C), summer 66F (19C), and autumn 65F (18C). Theres also lots of post-snorkeling activities to explore on the nearby beach. There are plenty of cheap accommodation and things to do, which makes the island an excellent vacation spot on any budget. offers a few different snorkeling opportunities including snuba, a popular combination of snorkeling and scuba that does not require certification like scuba diving, allowing you to snorkel to greater water depths. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Avalon is Catalina's largest town located on the southeastern tip of the island. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. 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 . Now that you know what areas to visit on your next snorkeling trip to Santa Catalina, lets find out how you can stay safe underwater by packing the right mask. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. Opinin. For more information, please call: 310.510.4205. And with plenty of tours. Stop by 708 Crescent Avenue, call 310-510-1445 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org. 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 of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a non-profit that [], Santa Catalina Island has many options for overnight travelers from hotels and bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals and cottages. Shark Harbor Its extremely likely you will see some dolphins on the boat ride as well. 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. 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. . The beach in Little Harbor is sandy and the cove is incredibly scenic. Catalina Island is definitely a place worth snorkeling in. There are many activities available. Selected camping equipment is available fromTwo Harbors Visitor Services. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. There are also airplane rides available. 1. Catalina Island offers calm, clean, life-filled waters with some of the best snorkeling in the world. Camp Chairs are now available as an add on to your kayak reservation. Your camping reservation serves as your camping/hiking permit. Image Source. Being further from the city than Lovers Cove and Casino Point Park, the area doesnt have as many visitors as the other two. 3/27/2022. Full Time position. However, due to its popularity, it can be quite crowded and more expensive. Avalon itself is on southeastern tip of the island, which is also the closest part of Catalina to the mainland. 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. 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. The dive center rents snorkel equipment and offers tours along with an impressive array of paddleboard, kayak, beach umbrella and diving equipment rentals. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island. Therefore, its not exclusive to snorkelers. The last part of the trail has you do an interior loop of the island that ends at Parsons . Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club offers a few different snorkeling opportunities including snuba, a popular combination of snorkeling and scuba that does not require certification like scuba diving, allowing you to snorkel to greater water depths. Catalina is located about 22 miles off the coast of southern California near Los Angeles. 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). We stopped at Airport in the Sky for a drink (or two) and had lunch at Little Harbor. The harbor, a popular yacht anchorage, is funnel-shaped, open to the S, and easy of access. Have you ever wanted to get up close to a dolphin? http://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoSidemount, Kelp forest marine life images, DVD's for sale, and archived "Dive Dry with Dr. Bill" newspaper columns. For novice snorkelers, going on a guided tour is always a good first step. The Little Harbor: This spot is perfect for beginners because it has gentle waves and clear water. 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! Just make sure to purchase your snorkeling gear from a dedicated retailer so you can stay safe underwater. From Avalon, transportation is available via theCatalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttleor Catalina Taxi & Tours taxi service (310.510.0025). Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. ), 400 feet above the water, is shown from a pole on Catalina Head, on the W side of the harbor entrance. von | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | Yes, there is a good chance you will catch some sea lions while snorkeling around Catalina. You also have more short breaths and thats where carbon dioxide becomes an issue. History buffs will love learning the unique history of the Catalina Island Casino with this brief tour. Others pls feel free to correct these approximations: Let's go into 1 minute of deco on a 131ft dive under a rock ledge. Human beings inhale oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Nope! Closed January & February 2023 for renovations. The dive center offers tours and rents snorkel equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, beach umbrellas, and diving equipment. Watch a feeding frenzy commence as schools of fish surround your porthole. All Rights Reserved. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the undersea wildlife around Catalina Island with many protected areas to safely swim, snorkel, and play in the Pacific. Boats depart from San Pedro or Long Beach. 1 hour 15 minutes each way Day trips or overnights 2 pieces of luggage per person. My top recommendations for each are: Booking.com Vrbo Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay). An unforgettable proposal on a salt-sprayed overlook. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Doctor/Physician. 310-510-1520. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 1. A rocky outcropping known to locals as the Whale's Tail shields Little Harbor from breaking Pacific waves . Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center Rent Your Toys Here. Please watch the weather. The three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are located in the western Caribbean about 150 miles south of Cuba, 460 miles south of Miami, Florida and 167 miles northwest of Jamaica. Some ppl put their scuba gear on their kayak and paddle to the destination (wing fully inflated as you wouldn't want to have it fall over and sinkmaybe even remove the ditchable weight). In the more remote, western section of the Catalina coastline sits Two Harbors, a village located on the strip of land between Isthmus Cove harbor and Cat Harbor. Like Casino Point Diving Park, Lovers Cove is located off Avalon, in the southeastern portion of Catalina. Bring a waterproof camera. They are pretty regular, year-round inhabitants of the California coasts. 1 Green Pleasure Pier P.O. The resort includes property beach club access as well as spa services and special touches like a bottle of champagne upon your arrival. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. An adjacent beach provides post-snorkeling fun, as do nearby eateries and shops and the Casino itself. 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. Lessons, rentals and guided dive trips are available. 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. Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club. Purchase your favorite food and drinks from the Two Harbors General Store and have your items delivered directly to your campsite at Little Harbor. Sites LH10, LH11, LH12, SH8, SH9 and SH10 are beachfront. Other guides will throw bait from the boat, drawing plenty of marine life around you once you jump in. Here are some locations just outside of Two Harbors, with very approximate distances. Parsons Landing is the last campground on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) and is the most beautiful campground that you will stay at. You will have plenty to see while snorkeling around Catalina from an assortment of fish to marine mammals and all sorts of underwater creatures! OCTOBER 6 - 8, 2022 - Buccaneer Days. You can arrange to pick up your gear from their two locations: Casino Point DiveParkand/or theGreen Pleasure Pier. The best place to keep your phone, wallet, and cash dry and protected from the elements. 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! Snorkeling near Two Harbors and/or Little Harbor? All other supplies & equipment are available on a walk-up only basis. Event ; Schedule ; FAQs ; USE PROMO CODE "BL20" DURING CHECKOUT FOR A $20 DISCOUNT!!! We have snorkeled in the area by the Two Harbors campground and it was pretty good. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the undersea wildlife around Catalina Island with many protected areas to safely swim, snorkel, and play in the Pacific. It is also one of the campgrounds along the popular 38.5 mile Trans-Catalina Trail hike. Tuesday through Thursday -closed for rentals Trans Catalina Trail itinerary: Summer 2017. Holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. 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). 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. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Who Invented Walking? High winds could result in possible express boat cancellations. WARNING: If Catalina Island is experiencing adverse weather there is a possibility of trail, road, and campground closures. This beautiful campground is the only one on Catalina's remote backside." William. 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. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care. Located in Avalon near Casino Point, Lovers Cove does not have a sandy beach attached to it. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. P.O. Here is the most common Trans-Catalina Trail itinerary: Day 1: Avalon to Black Jack Campground (10.7 miles) Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor Campground (consider neighboring Shark Harbor for more solitude) (8.2 miles) Day 3: Little Harbor to Two Harbors Campground (5.3 miles) Most rental places will provide a wetsuit if you would like one. We'll deliver your cooler with a bag of ice to Little Harbor for $35. A few things you might see while snorkeling here: No, there are some corals but not a coral reef. 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! Marine life: Calico bass, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, orange Garibaldi fish, colorful schooling fish, lobster,and mackerel. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to snorkel in Singapore. Manage Settings Ship Rock: 1.00 miles. >>> Can you swim with dolphins in Los Angeles? Find out HERE! On this episode we awake under hook at Santa Barbara Island. 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. Absolutely! 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. Check out CaliCase for an easy way to make your own phone waterproof. 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. Made up of Giant bladder kelp, its the largest and fastest-growing species of algae known. 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. This is yet another mecca for underwater enthusiasts. Rentals are due back by 30 minutes before close. Recognized by. Expect to see tons of marine life such as senorita, garibaldi, sheepshead, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea urchin, and bass, just to mention a few. We depart Long Beach at 8 am and return by 4 pm. 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. As the name hints, Casino Point Dive Park is right next to the islands massive casino. Are There Coral Reefs in Catalina Island? The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in the province of Limn is one of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. No matter your budget or diving style, you will be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters of Catalina Island! If so, then snorkeling in Catalina Island might just be the perfect activity for your next getaway. Avalon itself is on southeastern tip of the island, which is also the closest part of Catalina to the mainland. Enjoy! We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Listed on 2023-03-03. The village of From Coxen Hole or the airport, head north-east along the main road for 6 miles or so. It is perhaps the most popular snorkeling spot on the entire island. There are a few different ways you can go about snorkeling in one of Californias favorite getaways from free to over $100. 1. Here are some locations just outside of Two Harbors, with very approximate distances. The beach, hiking, and snorkeling make this place one of the best spots to spend a quiet weekend on Catalina. 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. Are There Sea Turtles on Catalina Island? This blog is meant to help you create your dream lifestyle through travel. http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/twoHarbors/acti_snorkeling.php. [Make sure to visit Harbor Reef, inventor of the Buffalo Milk cocktail. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Ride a jetski from Long Beach to Catalina Island and experience all the wonder that exists in our offshore playground alongside your tour guide escorts! Hiking from Avalon is also an option. Located just off Avalon, Casino Point is a mecca 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. Here are some tips to make your escape happen. If you need an affordable and quaint beach-style place to stay in Catalina, Seacrest Inn will work great for you. It has been several years since I have been to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. In general, outfitters require that you have experience for nighttime tours, so theyre better for individuals and couples traveling without kids. Large stretches of sandy beaches make it possible to start your snorkeling session by simply wading into the water. Plus, the guides are both informative and entertaining! As its name suggests, the dive park is next to Avalon's largest casino. We'll deliver your cooler with a bag of ice to Little Harbor for $40. PARK RANGER (37000681) SUPERVISOR: Bill Nash, Assistant Park Manager. Located on Catalinas west end, Two Harbors is only22 miles from the Southern California mainland. Keep in Mind. Shark Harbor Campground: 3 sites. Bring your sense of adventure, we'll handle the planning! Below are three of the best places for seeing underwater life at Santa Catalina. Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Healthcare Consultant. Sam is currently preparing to sail to . 5% off. Little Harbor is the site of a great sandy beach and one of the best campgrounds on Santa Catalina Island. Its close to Avalon Bay, shops, and restaurants plus its clean and the beds are comfortable.