Catalina Island Snorkeling

[Redwolfo]

We are taking a cruise on Princess at the end of September with a stop on Catalina Island, CA. We have our own snorkeling equipment and wet suits. Considering that Lover's Beach is part of a marine sanctuary, do we need to be part of an organized tour to snorkel there, or can we do it on our own? Do they have rental lockers there? Thank you

[CruiserBruce]

I would start with some research on the California board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=226

 

where Catalina Island is covered.

[Redwolfo]

I already searched the site and did not find the specific info I'm looking for. Everywhere I look they only have information about tours.

Thanks.

[CruiserBruce]

That is still the place to ask the question, as locals with knowledge may monitor that board.

[SadieN]

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/mpa/scmpas_list.asp

 

It is called Lover's Cove, not Lover's Beach

[dorisis]

I don't know anything about Lover;s Cove but Catalina is not known for snorkeling.

[Redwolfo]

I have not used this site in a long time so I'm trying to figure out how the forums work. I'm re-posting on the California forum.

By the way, I'm not sure about snorkeling either, but I do know that Catalina's kelp forest is one of Southern Cal's premier diving sites.

Thank you all.

[dorisis]

I have not used this site in a long time so I'm trying to figure out how the forums work. I'm re-posting on the California forum.

By the way, I'm not sure about snorkeling either, but I do know that Catalina's kelp forest is one of Southern Cal's premier diving sites.

Thank you all.

 

My bad. Never heard about the Kelp Forest.

[caa]

Lover's Cove is just a spot on the coastline that's been designated as a sanctuary, meaning no fishing is allowed. You can walk right up and snorkel to your heart's content. There are no facilities such as lockers, no rangers, no entry fees, etc. There is also no beach, it's just rocks, so it's helpful to have water shoes to protect your feet. Don't bring any valuables, as you'll just be leaving your clothes on the rocks.

 

Another place to snorkel is the underwater park behind the casino. There are concrete steps from the seawall down into the water there.

[SoBaycruiser]

Lover's Cove is just a spot on the coastline that's been designated as a sanctuary, meaning no fishing is allowed. You can walk right up and snorkel to your heart's content. There are no facilities such as lockers, no rangers, no entry fees, etc. There is also no beach, it's just rocks, so it's helpful to have water shoes to protect your feet. Don't bring any valuables, as you'll just be leaving your clothes on the rocks.

 

Another place to snorkel is the underwater park behind the casino. There are concrete steps from the seawall down into the water there.

 

I second everything you said. The water is colder then the tropics or Caribbean but Catalina Island is a terrific place to snorkel. Access is easy behind the casino and Descanso Beach nearby has good rest rooms.

[californiagirl]

I have snorkeled near the casino over to Hamiltons Cove (I think that is the name of the cove). Anyway it is wonderful. Completely different than Hawaii or the Caribbean. Huge Garibaldi (like large goldfish) the California state fish, kelp beds and starfish. You will need a shorty suit in the least as the water is chilly. The water is very clear since there is little sand. I will be on the Golden 4 day at the end of Sept. I plan to snorkel on Catalina too. :)

[beachchick]

Catalina was the first place I ever snorkeled. The kelp beds are fascinating.

 

beachchick

[dadroy]

I took my 10 year old here on a cruise stop. It was very cold for her and the rocks made it almost impossible for her to get into the good snorkeling area. it may be good for experienced snorkelers:mad:, perhaps even great, but for us it was a waste of time and money.