Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Resources
California Kayak Friends
(
www.ckf.org
)
Offers lots of information about everything from
safety and popular paddling destinations to recent trip reports and upcoming events.
Kayak Online
(
www.kayakonline.com/california.html
) For dozens of links to local kayaking
outfitters, schools and organizations, plus helpful advice.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
All along the California coast, rock reefs, shipwrecks and kelp beds teem with sea
creatures ready for their close-up. Underwater playgrounds are suited to all skill and ex-
perience levels. Ocean waters are warmest in Southern California and between July and
September, but wet suits are recommended for divers year-round.
Best Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Spots
San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve
is a great place for beginning
divers, while
La Jolla Cove
attracts snorkelers.
More experienced divers steer toward Orange County's
Crystal Cove State Park
, just
south of Newport Beach;
Divers Cove
in Laguna Beach; and
Wreck Alley
near San
Diego's Mission Bay.
Some popular dive spots are also good for snorkeling, for example, offshore
Channel Is-
lands National Park
and
Catalina Island
. Boats depart from Los Angeles, Orange County
and Ventura County, south of Santa Barbara.
With its national marine sanctuary,
Monterey Bay
offers world-renowned diving and
snorkeling; you'll need a thick wet suit.
Just south of Monterey,
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
is another gem for divers and
snorkelers (permit reservations required).
Rentals, Lessons & Tours
Local dive shops are your best resource for equipment, guides, instructors and boat trips. If
you already have your PADI certification, you can book a one-tank boat dive for $65 to
