The 7 Best Spots for Snorkelling in San Diego
1. La Jolla Cove
The cove is hands-down the best place to snorkel at San Diego. It is accessible through a small beach located at the sea cliffs. When the waters are clear, you can see hundreds of orange garibaldi and many more fishes swimming around. The sea lions from the shores occasionally accompany the snorkelers on their adventures as well!
2. Marine room
The beach is located to the south of the LA Jolla shores towards the east of the La Jolla ecological reserve. Only a few feet away from the shore you can see beautiful leopard sharks swimming underneath. Around the rocks and reefs at the bottom, you can also spot California spiny lobsters, beware of the eels who also love hiding around the nooks of the reefs.
3. Mission bay
The extremely calm and shallow waters of Mission Bay are ideal for kids and beginners. Mission bay also has a beach for over 20 miles where the whole family can relax and enjoy. Here you can spot a variety of small fishes and also invertebrates like sea urchins, slugs, octopus and starfishes
4. La Jolla Shore
The location is on the same beach stretch as La Jolla Cove. Approximately 30 meters in from the beach are few of the best snorkelling spots. It is the best spot for swimmers of all levels. The spot is a host to leopard sharks but the sandy floor is host to stingrays, black bat rays, sand crabs, hermit crabs and sea snails too so be sure to check before you put your foot down!
5. Devil’s slide and sea lion caves
The spot is located off the coast of the seven sea caves. The location is maybe slightly difficult for inexperienced and first-time snorkelers to get to. If you look just below the surface of the water you’d see sea lions playing and swimming around. Rays, octopus and zebra perch are also a common sight. If you are lucky you just might spot a horn shark around the rock hedges.
6. Turtle town
If you are a turtle lover, this is a must-explore spot! The spot is a little difficult to find as it is located at the centre of the marine sanctuary. For most of the year, the location is home to multiple varieties of colourful fish. At less than ten metres ocean depth you can spot the red and green kelp plants which are home to adult and juvenile turtles alike.
7. Shell Beach and boomers
This beach attracts lesser crowds than the others in San Diego but it is a beautiful place to collect shells and snorkel of course! Entering the waters here can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. The snorkel heads and swimmers are up for a treat as the location is home to majestic sea lions and grey whales as well! It is definitely one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets.
Cost
The average price for guided snorkelling is $70- $80 per person.FAQs
1. What is the best time of the year?
Summer is the best time to go snorkelling as the waters are warm and it also provides the perfect environment for pregnant leopard sharks to incubate. The fishes and sea lions are around all round the year so you can dive in at any time. But around late fall and early spring, a wetsuit is a must.2. What time of the day is good for snorkelling?
The Primetime for snorkelling in San Diego is usually around 9 am-3 pm. The waters are warm and even if there was unrest in the waters at night, they usually settle down as the sun gets higher. The fishes and other underwater organisms look more lively with the sun shining on them as well.
3. Should you book a tour?
A tour can be a very interesting and fruitful way to experience underwater life. They provide you with the required gear, a knowledgeable guide, and onshore instruction before diving too. It is suggestible to book a tour, especially if you’re a tourist.4. Should you wear a wetsuit?
If you’re taking your trip during summer and in shallow waters, you do not need a wetsuit. But if you are going deeper into the ecological reserve then it is suggested you have your suit on as it will provide you with heat and buoyancy as well.
5. Is snorkelling safe?
Snorkelling with all the required gears is a safe activity. Even non-swimmers can try snorkelling in shallow waters. Snorkelling is safer than scuba diving too but it has some risks like currents, cramps and bad weather conditions6. How can I check ocean conditions?
It is an accepted thumb rule that smaller waves mean better visibility underwater. High surf can also create danger. It is suggestible that you check the local surf report before planning your day of snorkelling.
Snorkelling in San Diego is a recreational activity and a wonderful opportunity to observe underwater life in their natural habitat. So when you are in the bay area, just dive into this experience and indulge in this blissful experience.