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You’ve got your mask, snorkel, and fins… Now you just need to know where to use them! While Los Angeles is renowned for its fantastic summer weather and beautiful beaches, spotting marine wildlife can be challenging in the city itself. Fortunately, there are several hidden places and stunning coves where you can dive in and feel like The Little Mermaid, swimming among fish, crabs, and the mesmerizing (yet stingy) jellyfish. Let’s explore the best snorkeling spots around Los Angeles.
1. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles
Redondo Beach is great for snorkeling, for many reasons. It features an artificial reef system made up of concrete modules designed to enhance marine life, creating a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. Also, the calm and clear waters of Redondo Beach are ideal for beginners, as the beach is sheltered from large waves and strong currents, making it easy to navigate.
Additionally, Redondo Beach is a fantastic year-round destination, with mild water temperatures and active marine life, making it perfect for both summer and winter snorkeling adventures.
2. Casino Point Dive Park, Catalina Island
Catalina Island is often considered the best snorkeling spot near Los Angeles. It is renowned for its exceptional visibility, allowing you to see deep into the crystal-clear waters and encounter a diverse array of marine life.
From vibrant fish and sea urchins to kelp forests and rocky reefs, there’s always something fascinating to observe. Additionally, Avalon is also a charming small town on the island, which makes snorkeling here a perfect idea to add to your upcoming weekend getaway.
3. Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Malibu
Malibu is a prime snorkeling destination near Los Angeles, California, known for its rich marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. The kelp forests are home to a variety of fish, including bright orange Garibaldi, giant sea bass, and leopard sharks, with the swaying kelp adding to the unique scenery.
Popular spots like Leo Carrillo State Park and Paradise Cove offer vibrant kelp forests and colorful reefs, making them excellent choices for exploration.
4. Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Malaga Cove on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a serene snorkeling spot near Los Angeles, featuring rocky reefs and kelp beds. The clear, calm waters are home to local marine life like fish and sea urchins, offering a peaceful exploration experience. Though less renowned than other spots, its accessibility and scenic charm make it a worthwhile visit. Just be sure to wear water shoes for a more comfortable entry.
5. Channel Islands National Park
Offshore from Santa Barbara lie the Channel Islands, which are among the best places to snorkel near Los Angeles. Channel Islands National Park offers an intriguing snorkeling experience with its mix of tropical and cold waters, creating a diverse habitat for over a thousand species. The waters are quite cold, averaging between 52 and 66 degrees, so a wetsuit is essential. Despite the chill, visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 50 feet.
6. Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara
Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara, California, is known for its point break that attracts surfers, but it’s also a great snorkeling spot. At the end of the beach’s cove, snorkelers and free divers can explore a rich reef along the mile-and-a-half stretch of sand. The low-lying reefs are about 50 yards from shore, making them accessible by swimming.
7. Crescent Bay, Laguna Beach
Crescent Bay in northern Laguna Beach, is a top spot for snorkeling Los Angeles locals will appreciate. The kelp forests offer excellent snorkeling, with the best areas on the north side extending about 100 feet along the shallow reef, while the south side remains decent. The central aquatic valley adds to the interest.
When waves are calm, explore the granite outcroppings along the coastline. Additionally, tide pools are easily accessible at low tide along the rock shelf at the southern end of the beach.
8. La Jolla Cove, San Diego
The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve is a top snorkeling spot in Southern California, known for its warm, calm waters and abundant marine life. Here, you can see Garibaldi, dolphins, octopi, sea turtles, and thousands of harmless leopard sharks from June to December. Additionally, underwater tombstones can be found 100 to 125 yards from La Jolla Cove Beach Club.
9. McAbee Beach, Monterey
McAbee Beach offers an excellent snorkeling experience with its kelp forest and rocky ocean bottom, home to various invertebrates like sponges, anemones, rockfish, shrimp, kelpfish, and starfish.
Swimmers might also spot curious sea otters, adding to the excitement. This spot, known for some of the best snorkeling near Los Angeles, is suitable for all skill levels and is ideal for underwater photography.