A Sea of Interesting Sights Awaits Southland Snorkelers

If you’ve got a yen to peek into the underwater world, an ocean of pleasure awaits you at Southern California coves and beaches.

All you need is a snorkel, a mask, swim fins and an appropriate patch of sea. And if you don’t want to buy the equipment, you can rent it at many sporting goods stores.

Although strong swimming ability will increase your range significantly, you don’t have to swim at all to see interesting sea life. Non-swimmers, both children and adults, can view marine animals and plants by walking about in clear, chest-deep water. (Non-swimmers might want to use only mask and snorkel, not the fins, which make walking difficult.)

A wide variety of fish exists along the Southland coast. Among the rocks, reef and coral, a snorkeler might see ocean perch, cod and an occasional sea bass, among others.

Calm waters afford the best visibility. Be aware that marine conditions can change quickly.

Lifeguards often can provide information about water conditions and the best snorkeling sites on a particular day.

Here are 10 accessible sites for exploring the wonders of underwater life off Southern California:

Abalone Cove County Beach. Palos Verdes Drive South, west of Narcissa Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. A path leads to the beach, where there are restrooms and a lifeguard. The best snorkeling areas have been designated ecological reserves, so do not remove or disturb sea life. One promising spot is off “The Ruins,” the remains of a private club a quarter-mile east of the lighthouse. The parking charge is $4, and space for vehicles is limited. RTD bus 869 can take you there. For further information, call the L. A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors at (213) 372-2166.

Carlsbad State Beach. You’ll find free parking at the end of Tamaack Avenue and along Carlsbad Boulevard. There are restrooms and fire pits and a lifeguard during the summer. North County Transit District buses 301 and 321 go to the area. South Carlsbad State Beach is four miles from Carlsbad Beach on Carlsbad Boulevard at Ponto Drive. There is roadside parking along Carlsbad Boulevard at San Marcos Creek and a stairway to the beach. Camping facilities, showers and restrooms are available. There is a camping fee that varies according to the season. For information, call the state Parks and Recreation Department district office at (619) 729-8947.

Catalina Island. About 20 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this lovely island can be reached by public ferry and cruise boats from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and San Diego; by public helicopter and seaplane from Long Beach, San Pedro, Los Angeles International and John Wayne Airport in Orange County; or by private craft. Operators of the ferries and boats are Catalina Express, (213) 519-1212; Catalina Cruise Boats, (213) 775-6111; Catalina Passenger Services, (714) 673-5245, and California Cruisin’ (619) 235-8600. Their round-trip fares range from $22 to $39. Helicopter flights can be booked with Helitrans Commuter, (800) 262-1472, and Autumn Express, (213) 491-5550. Trans World Express, (800) 221-2000, and Allied Air, (213) 510-1163, offer seaplane flights. Avalon Bay, on the east end of the island, has restrooms, a sandy beach and numerous equipment rental stores. Lovers Cove is southeast of the passenger boat dock. The waters around the island are clearer and warmer than most along the mainland. Snorkelers might see orange garibaldi, eels, striped bass, bat rays and sting rays. Showers and campsites and barbecue pits are available, but reservations are advised; call the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department on Catalina Island at (213) 510-0688.

Corona Del Mar State Beach. East of the East Jetty at the entrance to Newport Harbor (Ocean Boulevard and Iris Avenue), Corona Del Mar. There is a concrete walkway from the foot of Orchid Avenue. The Rock Jetty area is a popular spot. There are dressing rooms, food concessions and an equipment rental store. Orange County Transit District buses 1 and 57 can take you there. Call the state parks regional office at (619) 237-7411 for information.

Crystal Cove State Park. West of Pacific Coast Highway between Arch Rock and Irving Cove, Orange County. Crystal Cove is a new park with paths to the beach, including access to the southern end of the park at Moro Beach. During summer months, particularly in shallow zones, snorkelers can see lobsters, abalone and a variety of fish in extensive areas of “surf grass.” Parking and restrooms are available. Orange County buses 1 and 57 stop here. Call (619) 237-7411 for information.

Kellogg Park-La Jolla Shores Beach. At Camino del Oro and Calle Frescota, La Jolla. The swimming area offers restrooms and a lifeguard. Buses 30 and 34 serve the area.

Laguna Beach Pocket Beaches. West of Cliff Drive. There are many small U-shaped coves, ideal for snorkeling, that can be reached by walkways off Cliff Drive. Divers Cove is accessible from a walkway in the 500 block; Fisherman’s Cove, from a pathway in the 600 block. Picnic Beach and Rock Pile beach have restrooms. There is an ecological reserve off Divers Cove.

La Jolla Cove. At Coast Boulevard, east of Girard Avenue, La Jolla. Ribbon kelp, giant kelp and surf grass greet snorkelers who enter the water from the sandy beach. The Scripps Aquarium sponsors day-long snorkel outings, led by naturalists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography each Saturday in August and starting with an 8 a.m. lecture. Participants are expected to be good swimmers over the age of 10, (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) and to supply their own equipment including wet suit and weight belt. Fee for non-members is $15; information: (619) 534-4578.

Nicholson Point Park, La Jolla. At the south end of Coast Boulevard. A public path along the northwest side of a condominium complex at 100 Coast Blvd. provides easiest access to the hard-to-reach but highly regarded beach. There is ample parking and a stairway to the beach. San Diego Transit Co. bus 34 goes there.

Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve. Snorkeling is excellent along Palos Verdes’ 4 1/2-mile shoreline, but there are no restrooms or convenience stores nearby. RTD buses 814 and 869 go there. Established in 1969, the preserve includes 130 acres of city-owned parklands. There are good, but steep, paths to the beach. More information is available in “California Coastal Access Guide” (UC Press).