Where to go snorkelling in California

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 25, 2019

When most people think of USA snorkelling destinations, they tend to imagine Florida and not California. They’re missing out! California is home to a huge number of diverse marine life, and snorkeling the waters to get up close and personal with the nature here is easy. Best of all, you won’t have to share the waters with as many other snorkellers as you would in Florida, making for some primo underwater photography.

We’ve gotta mention one thing that stands out amongst the majority of other tropical snorkelling destinations in this list – Californian waters are cold. The warmest waters you’ll find will be around 20℃, so make sure to bring along a wetsuit before you hit up these destinations!

Fish in California:

  • Angel Sharks, Black Sea Bass, Dolphins, Guitarfish, Horn Sharks, Humpback Whales, Leopard Sharks, Sea Lions, Stingrays, Torpedo Rays, Tuna, Turtles, Wolf Eels, and more.

Corals in California:

  • Anemones, Blue Brittle Stars, Cup Corals, Gorgonian Coral, Janolus, Navanaxes, Sponges, and more.

Best places to snorkel in California

Catalina Island

Where: 35km off the coast of Newport Beach
Details: This remote island is a snorkel destination that’s all scenery and no crowds. You’ll have to charter a boat to reach the island, but once there, you can enjoy warmer waters with better visibility (up to 25 metres), more active sea life (including tuna, eels, horn sharks and giant sea bass), and even a bit of coral life.

Information:

  • Those with a high budget can fly over to Catalina Island for unbeatable views,
  • Check out Lover’s Cove near the Avalon harbour for lots of wildlife – this is where the glass bottom boats tour go, so you know that’s where the good stuff is!
  • You’ll find plenty of snorkeling tours and companies to take you to the hotspots.

Channel Islands

Where: Santa Barbara
Details: This Marine Park has five different islands to explore, offering up some of the world’s best snorkelling (according to Gone Snorkelling). There are kelp forests, coves, sea caves, and so much to see and explore in this stunning part of California. With the perfect balance of tropical and cold water snorkelling, the abundance of sea life here is exceptional. Definitely a unique spot worth visiting!

Information:

  • The best spots for snorkelling are around Anacapa Island, eastern Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Barbara Island.
  • The other two islands can be quite windy with high currents,
  • It can be as cold as 11℃ here, so definitely head out with a wetsuit unless you’re used to freezing conditions (or crazy).

Laguna Beach

Where: Orange County
Details: Laguna Beach is famous for many things, and snorkelling is just another one. There are a few different spots to check out here, all with crystal clear waters and something for everyone. Check out the tide pools at Heisler Park Eco Reserve for pristine snorkeling conditions, Fisherman’s Cove for shallow snorkeling that’s great for beginners and kids, and Divers Cove for advanced snorkelers who want to swim amongst rock features in deep waters.

Information:

  • Catch a boat from Heisler Park Eco Reserve to Seal Rock where you can snorkel with sea lions.

Lake Tahoe

Where: Sierra Nevada Mountains
Details: Who said you had to hit the ocean to go snorkelling? Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in America and well worth a visit whether you’re snorkelling or not. When we say this water is clear, we mean it – you can see the ground even up to 25 metres deep. There are beaches, rocky boulders, private swimming holes, alpine lakes, and even nudist spots! Just be warned, it’s a bit cold for a nudie.

Information:

There are all different blues in the water, sunken tree trunks, huge boulders, and more.

  • Sand Harbour is a great beach for snorkelling, with loads of amenities, carpark, and a visitor’s centre. Enter from the granite boulders, the sand, or the dedicated diving bay.
  • Lester Beach is a great spot for something a little quieter, with an adjacent camping spot. There are high cliffs do jump from and deep turquoise waters ot explore.
  • Thunderbird Lodge is an old-school mansion with beautiful snorkelling scenery.

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs.

 
"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
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Based on 1513 reviews
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Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

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T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

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Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

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Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

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Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

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Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️