Open daily from 8am to 4pm. While you can go on your own if you have snorkeling experience, the local tour companies go out of their way to offer unique adventures. While you wont see whales while snorkeling, its very likely you could see some on the boat ride to and from Catalina Island. Holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Kayak, snorkel, or stand up paddle on Catalina Island. Enjoy! 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. Take a Catalina Island Undersea Expedition, Take a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Visit and Learn About the Catalina Island Casino, How to Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach, Incredible Things to Do on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, A Guide to Working Remotely Abroad For a U.S. Company, Jobs in Ireland for Americans: How to Find Work as an Expat. Friday through Sunday - 8:00 AM-4:30PM Reservations are required and are limited. Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center Rent Your Toys Here. This is yet another mecca for underwater enthusiasts. Here are some of the places to snorkel while in Catalina. From Avalon, transportation is available via theCatalina Island Conservancy Wildlands ExpressShuttleor Catalina Taxi & Tours taxi service (310.510.0025). If you'd like, you can hike at the scenic hilltops along the harbor or camp through the night. This tour is the best all-around for instruction, length of time in the water, and price point. One of Catalina's largest natural beaches, Little Harbor is a great place to go for swimming, snorkeling and hiking. Opinin. No matter your budget or diving style, you will be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters of Catalina Island! A perfect spot for families and newbies, visibility is great and the surf is usually calm. Where Should You Stay in California?Hotels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available for accommodation. We'll deliver your cooler with a bag of ice to Little Harbor for $40. Nash. 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. Whichever season you ultimately choose, you can look forward to beautiful views and abundant marine life! Tthe second-largest village on the island, theres a lot less hustle and bustleon "Catalina's Other Side.". 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. Listing for: The Medicus Firm. Recognized by. The kelp is most prominent during the summer months and dies off in the winter months. As the name hints, Casino Point Dive Park is right next to the islands massive casino. 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. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Little Harbor's cool waters with your young ones at the shallow waters. Casino Point Dive Park is located just off Avalon, Catalinas largest town. This may be a drawback for those hoping to add activities to snorkeling, but it also makes for a more secluded snorkeling experience. The Shark Caves . Small and bare Pin Rock, close inside the E head of the harbor, is 150 yards offshore and . I've never done it, but I hear you can rent a kayak and cruise to some locations just outside of Two Harbors. In case you don't want to pack all your toys with you on the trip over, the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center rents all sorts of recreation equipment, including snorkel gear . Hiking to Ben Weston Beach, one of the island's legendary destinations 11 were here . This blog is meant to help you create your dream lifestyle through travel. Thanks for the info. Marine life: Schooling fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, spiny lobsters, horn sharks, tree fish, black sea bass, mackerel,and colorful Garibaldi. WARNING: If Catalina Island is experiencing adverse weather there is a possibility of trail, road, and campground closures. The $9.25 booking fee is non-refundable. Some of our favorite snorkeling spots include Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, Casino Point Dive Park and the waters around Descanso Beach. The area does indeed have two small harbors, located on the isthmus northern and southern shores. The French Key reef is accessible either by the privately owned islands of Big French Key and Little French Key or by the Fantasy Island Resort. Located in Avalon at the Boat Landing, open daily from April through September. P.O. We will be staying a few days at Two Harbors, Catalina Island. To attract marine life, hand-feeding the fish is permitted on some tours. You will have plenty to see while snorkeling around Catalina from an assortment of fish to marine mammals and all sorts of underwater creatures! *Weekends have a 2 night minimum (May - October);holidays have a 3 night minimum. are all magnificent and teeming with marine life. Catalina Island Travel Guide Getting Here 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! more. While we are there why not check out the snorkeling/diving spots? With large sections of underwater gardens and a wide variety of fish species, Two Harbors is considered the healthiest marine environment and most serene spot for snorkeling in Santa Catalina. 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! Purchase your favorite food and drinks from the Two Harbors General Store and have your items delivered directly to your campsite at Little Harbor. CAMPING SUPPORT SERVICES. Because this is a public protected sanctuary, not exclusive to snorkelers, boat tours and divers also use the marine park, so keep your eyes open. 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. Job specializations: Healthcare. 2. Stop by 708 Crescent Avenue, call 310-510-1445 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org. The same goe. Ship Rock: 1.00 miles. Rent a cabana, lounge on the shore, swim in the water, and enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand! We are your one stop shop for water fun! Day 1: Boat into Avalon from Long Beach and hike to Black Jack (roughly 10 miles). I would highly recommend camping at Little Harbor as it is stunning. and affordable lodging options, Catalina is a great destination for watersport lovers on any budget. An unforgettable proposal on a salt-sprayed overlook. 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. Are you dreaming of exploring a wild, exotic paradise? These beaches make it possible to enter to start your snorkeling session by simply wading into the water, but kayak-snorkeling is also popular. Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority. The staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating. The crystal clear waters around Catalina Island are known as great spots for snorkeling. 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. 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. Sitting on the beachfront, Little Harbor is one of only two protected harbors on the backside of Catalina Island. In general, outfitters require that you have experience for nighttime tours, so theyre better for individuals and couples traveling without kids. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. ** Tents and 2-burner stoves will require a $50.00 deposit that will be refunded once the tent or stove is returned to Two Harbors Visitor Services in the same condition it was when it was checked out. The spot indeed does have two harbors, that is, Cat Harbor and Isthmus Cove Harbor. Cold-water, outdoor showers 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! We will do some kayaking and check out some of those spots. 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. 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. The last part of the trail has you do an interior loop of the island that ends at Parsons . von | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | | Jun 17, 2022 | tornadoes of 1965 | The underwater garden boasts spectacular sea creatures, plants, and even shipwrecks. Boats depart from San Pedro or Long Beach. 1 hour 15 minutes each way Day trips or overnights 2 pieces of luggage per person. ), Guanaja Today: Diving During an Earthquake, TWARS (This Week at Reef Seekers) - October 9-16. Parsons Landing is the last campground on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) and is the most beautiful campground that you will stay at. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. 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. Take a Catalina Island Undersea Expedition, Take a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Visit and Learn About the Catalina Island Casino, Conclusion: Snorkeling in Catalina Island. Shark Harbor Below are three of the best places for seeing underwater life at Santa Catalina. Pricing starts at $8 for 2 hours of snorkel and mask rental, $6 for fins, and $15 for a 3mm wetsuit. $399 $379. 1. 5000. Catalina Island Snorkeling: Southern California has it allsun, sand, surf and some of the best snorkeling in the world. With a roped-off area to keep swimmers safe, the underwater garden is packed with colorful sea life and shipwrecks. They are [], The Safari Bus is how you get around on Catalina Island if you plan to leave the towns. You will instead see magnificent kelp forests while snorkeling here! Little Harbor is the site of a great sandy beach and one of the best campgrounds on Santa Catalina Island. Hiking from Avalon is also an option. $399 $379. Complete Snorkel Package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit), Core Snorkel Package (mask, snorkel, fins). Check out CaliCase for an easy way to make your own phone waterproof. Therefore, its not exclusive to snorkelers. While you can sometimes catch a sea turtle swimming around the island if youre lucky! If youre just looking for a quick dip and to save money, you can rent gear (or bring your own) at any beach along the island and set off on your own. You are using an out of date browser. BBQ and fire ring 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. You can call the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center for updates on closures, 310.510.4205. Here are some tips to make your escape happen. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. My friend who is going with me, has never been there. And with plenty of tours and affordable lodging options, Catalina is a great destination for watersport lovers on any budget. Yardbird is a 23ft Ranger and Sam is a complete maniac ! The harbor, a popular yacht anchorage, is funnel-shaped, open to the S, and easy of access. Massive Black Grouper. Closed January & February 2023 for renovations. (For a truly remote beach camping experience, check out Little Harbor Campground, about seven miles east of Two Harbors.) 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! Located just west of Avalon, Descanso Beach Club. Play at the casino, enjoy your favorite seafood, and watch movies til dawnall while enjoying a cool breeze from the sea. All other supplies & equipment are available on a walk-up only basis. The sights are simply amazing and you are guaranteed to see some incredible marine life. You will see plenty of marine life here including garibaldi, rays, rockfish, kelp bass, and if you are lucky, you will have an encounter or two with an octopus. 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. Catalina is located about 22 miles off the coast of southern California near Los Angeles. The dive recreation center is located on the shore of Isthmus Cove, on the northern side of the isthmus, and most diving and snorkeling at Two Harbors is done there. Can You See Whales and Dolphins on Catalina Island? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Little Harbor, on Catalina Island's back side, is a great day trip from Avalon that offers a number of adventures. But Casino Point Park is a public sanctuary, and therefore, it is not exclusively for snorkelers. Other guides will throw bait from the boat, drawing plenty of marine life around you once you jump in. 21210. 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! 4. Snorkel in the waters of South Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay to discover a sunken forest and large barges. Your camping reservation serves as your camping/hiking permit. If so, then snorkeling in Catalina Island might just be the perfect activity for your next getaway. and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Visibility is great and the surf is usually calm. With today's high-speed ferries, that distance can be crossed in about an hour. Additional snorkeling destinations including Gallagher Beach, Emerald Bay, Moonstone Cove, and Whites Landing are all magnificent and teeming with marine life. Additional Areas. Like Lovers Cove, this section of the island is a good spot for couples and for family getaways. Pulau Hantu. Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise as you head . For novice snorkelers, going on a guided tour is always a good first step. Box 217, Avalon, CA 90704 Here are some locations just outside of Two Harbors, with very approximate distances. Yes, there is a good chance you will catch some sea lions while snorkeling around Catalina. Boaters, swimmers, and scuba divers converge on this part of the world to get close to the elusive sea life. Buy your mask from a trusted seller. Catalina Island Airport in the Sky is located at an elevation of 1602 feet and contains a 3250 ft. runway for small planes. For more information, please call: 310.510.4205. The best part is that you dont need to drain your savings to make Catalina your holiday destination. Nope! What is this "too cold now" of which you speak? 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). From Coxen Hole or the airport, head north-east along the main road for 6 miles or so. Insider Tips for Snorkeling on Catalina Island. When spending a weekend in South Lake Tahoe, head to Emerald Bay State Parkthis is one of the best places to snorkel in California. 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! The CO2 builds up inside your mask until it becomes toxic. Large flat bed truck for $400 one way. Two Harbors relative seclusion and geographic protection make the water on this part of the island particularly clean. See a variety of plant and animal life including sea lions, calico bass, Garibaldi & more. Plus, the guides are both informative and entertaining! They are often swimming up and down the coast of southern California! CaliCase Sand Resistant Towels are plush, sand resistant, and vibrant! Keep in mind that while Casino Point Park does offer the advantage of easy access for novice snorkelers, this State of California-protected sanctuary is a public one. Just make sure to purchase your snorkeling gear from a dedicated retailer so you can stay safe underwater. Purchase your favorite food and drinks from the Two Harbors General Store and have your items delivered directly to your campsite at Little Harbor. 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. It's also the hardest campground to secure as part of your reservations. You can also take a tour on the Garibaldi. 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). 310-510-1520. And depending on the time of the year you are visiting, you may even bump into a monster black sea bass. So even though you will be away from the city, you can bring a couple of beach toys and enjoy sunbathing after snorkeling. 5% off. They are pretty regular, year-round inhabitants of the California coasts. Please call 310.510.2229. Davis, CA. The island of Catalina is essentially divided up into two main sides: Avalon and Two Harbors. "Twenty six miles across the sea / Santa Catalina is a-waitin for me.". Full Time position. Snorkelers can wade into waist-deep . 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. Its no wonder that Catalina Island officially known as Santa Catalina Island has a reputation as hot spot for the beautiful people. The tiny island, located off southern California, has plenty of protected coves, harbors and beaches, as well as warm water brimming with exotic sea life. You also have more short breaths and thats where carbon dioxide becomes an issue. Two Harbors was made for having fun. In addition, check out nighttime snorkeling tours, which gives you a close-up view of the more sunlight-shy sea life. Here are the top places to rent snorkel gear. Here is some information snorkeling around Two Harbors. Sure, full face snorkel masks are fancy but being new in the market, they have some limitations too. Emerald Bay. 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 . Rentals are due back by 30 minutes before close. Most discussion of snorkeling seems to center around Avalon. Tthe second-largest village on the island, theres a lot less hustle and bustleon "Catalina's Other Side. In fact, this Catalina Island snorkeling spot in particular has been named one of the Worlds Healthiest Marine Environments by Scuba Diving Magazine. Gear haul tags are available for purchase at Two Harbors Visitor Services upon arrival. 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! [Make sure to visit Harbor Reef, inventor of the Buffalo Milk cocktail. Explore the undersea gardens around Catalina Island while staying completely dry. If coming from Avalon, campers do not need to check in. Emerald Bay is located on the west end of Catalina about 2 NM Northwest of the Isthmus side of Two Harbors. Single or Buddyless? 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. Learn more! Recognized by Scuba Diving Magazine 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. Of course, Santa Catalina is also an awesome place for snorkeling. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.