Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diving
There's terrific diving just south of Newport Beach at the underwater park at
Crystal Cove
State Park
, where divers can check out reefs, anchors and an old military plane crash site.
949-650-5440;
www.beachcitiesscuba.com
;
4537 W Coast Hwy)
, where full equipment rental
costs $60 per day.
WORTH A TRIP
NEWPORT BAY ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Inland from the harbor, where runoff from the San Bernardino Mountains meets the sea,
the brackish water of 752-acre
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
(from $20 per person)
supports nearly 200 bird species. It's one of SoCal's few preserved estuaries and an im-
portant stopover on the migratory Pacific Flyway. It's also under the flyway for planes tak-
ing off from John Wayne Airport, but this annoyance doesn't overly detract from the wild-
life viewing. Stop by the
Muth Interpretive Center
(
949-923-2290;
www.ocparks.com/un-
bic
; 2301 University Dr, off Irvine Ave;
10am-4pm Tue-Sun;
), made from sustainable and re-
newable materials and home to kid-friendly exhibits.
Tours
Fun Zone Boat Co
BOAT TOUR
per adult/senior/child 5-11yr from $14/7/11)
Sea lion-watching and celebrity home tours depart beneath the Ferris wheel in the Fun
Zone.
Davey's Locker
BOAT TOUR
cruise per adult/child 3-12yr & senior from $32/26, half-day sportfishing $41.50/34)
At Balboa Pavilion; offers whale-watching and sportfishing trips.
