If the time and expense involved in full scuba certification put you off, try snorkeling. A mask, snorkel and fins are all you need to explore the underwater world. There's much to be seen close to the water's surface and near the shore, and equipment is easily rented or purchased.
The best times for snorkeling are the summer, spring and fall months.
La Jolla Cove - With the clearest water in San Diego, La Jolla Cove is an amazing place for snorkeling. Featuring a plethora of interesting reef areas, caves and kelp, La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular snorkeling sites in San Diego. The marine life is plentiful, due to the cove's location as part of the La Jolla Park Ecological Reserve. You might spot garibaldi, California's state fish, as well as the rare giant black sea bass.
Kelp beds - The kelp beds lie roughly 400 yards northwest of La Jolla Cove -- in fact, it's easy to swim over from La Jolla Cove. Kelp plants are rapidly-growing saltwater algae that grow upon reefs and can reach up to the water's surface, attracting all kinds of exciting fish.
Snorkeling Resources
- Tours and Rentals:
- • Snorkel San Diego Scuba: www.snorkelsandiegoscuba.com
- • La Jolla Snorkeling: www.sandiegobikeandkayaktours.com/snorkeling
- • San Diego-Snorkel Tours: www.seaclypse.com/snorkeling
- • San Diego Snorkeling and Snorkel Tours with Hike Bike Kayak: www.hikebikekayak.com/Snorkel_Kayak_SanDiego
- General Information and Useful Websites:
- • San Diego Snorkeling - a guide to snorkeling San Diego: www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-locations/san-diego
