Snorkeling Catalina

[kirbmeister]

Has anyone snorkeled Catalina Island in May? How cold is the water (with wetsuits)? Is the view underwater worth the cold?

[Splinter]

In May, you can anticipate water temperatures in the mid-50s at Catalina. Wetsuits are a must unless you are a polarbear! Clarity is often up to 40 feet...but it can also be 5 feet. Conditions are variable. I would plan on snorkeling, but also have a back-up plan, and check with your outfitter before going about the actual conditions. It is not the Caribbean or South Pacific. You will see Garibaldi if you are lucky (CA state fish) but otherwise it will not be colorful fish, but you should still see plenty of wildlife, including seals, depending on where you plan to snorkel. I would definately recommend getting away from Avalon. The harbor area can have low visibility, and the water is also sometimes dirty. Take a trip with a dive company and go off a boat instead of going from shore.

[kirbmeister]

Thanks for the reply. I would love to try it, but don't know if I'll be able to talk my wife into it.

[ACTingout]

I dive off of Catalina Island frequently. You will need to be wearing 7mm wetsuits with a hood, gloves, and booties. If you've never done this before, it can feel extremely confiningand you will feel like the Michelin Man. The positive thing is that you float very nicely! From the surface, the orange Garibaldi (California's state fish) is very noticeable but other wildlife will take patience. Because of the awesome kelp forests, Catalina is world class for SCUBA divers but snorkling may be disappointing.

 

They do have a semi-submersable submarine that will get you down further in the water and will definitely be warmer.

[kirbmeister]

No way my dw would go for it. Maybe the semi-submersible.

[B+S]

Wow, thanks for the advice - I had been planning on taking the whole family snorkelling at Catalina later this month and was just thinking it's probably warm water :eek: & had no idea. So what is the next best thing to do there that doesn't involve renting a golf cart for thirty bucks an hour???

 

:-)

 

 

 

I dive off of Catalina Island frequently. You will need to be wearing 7mm wetsuits with a hood, gloves, and booties. If you've never done this before, it can feel extremely confiningand you will feel like the Michelin Man. The positive thing is that you float very nicely! From the surface, the orange Garibaldi (California's state fish) is very noticeable but other wildlife will take patience. Because of the awesome kelp forests, Catalina is world class for SCUBA divers but snorkling may be disappointing.

 

They do have a semi-submersable submarine that will get you down further in the water and will definitely be warmer.

[Splinter]

Take the glass-bottomed boat tour.

Take the island tour that includes the old Wrigley Ranch. This includes a short rodeo, and includes a great deal of information about the history of the island.

Visit the museum in the Casino (walk from the pier)

Rent kayaks and do some exploring near the harbor.