La Jolla Cove/San Diego Snorkeling in November?

[MacYankee86]

Hey All
I might be in the San Diego area over Thanksgiving, and I was wondering what the conditions would be like for snorkeling in the area?
I am assuming I need a wetsuit...or drysuit. I have only a 3/2mm Full...

I don't have the time to lug my dive equip. out there-since it will only be a few days-but I have never been to CA and I would love to do something dive related...

If I am crazy to think of snorkeling in November in CA, tell me. I know I could get a surfing lesson, so it can't be that cold...right?
Thanks for the help!
Gordon

 

[J.A.S.]

Hi Gordon,
California waters are normally in the low to mid 50s around that time and most of the time, so definitely 7mm if not a drysuit for diving and a 4/3 for surfing unless you get cold easily. I have not been to LaJolla yet, but everything i've read and heard leads to a good day. Check out the "Marine Room" as well for snorkeling!

Hope this helps,

 

[moyali]

Hi Gordon,

I was in San Diego over the weekend and snorkeled the Marine Room on Saturday. I used to live in the area and frequently scuba/snorkeled there. This past time was one of the best days ever with a good 25-30 feet visibility and all sorts of critters around. The Marine Room is renowned for Leopard Sharks and there were a good 40-50 of them cruising about. Water temp was in the upper 60's which explained the ton of stingrays in the area as well. Since the area is a protected reserve there are lots of different types of fish and it is a great site.

November will definitely be cooler but the clarity is usually better as well. Personally I'm fine snorkeling in a 3/2 especially if it's sunny but you could easily rent a suit from one of the local shops in La Jolla or Pacific Beach.

Hope you have a great time

Alex