Snorkeling in Socal?

[dam]

Hello,

Newbie here with some questions. I've searched around, but haven't found any good information regarding snorkeling in Socal. And since you guys have dived at all the local beaches I frequent (Crystal Cove, Crescent Bay, etc), I figure you'd have advice for me.

Are there any good snorkeling sites in Orange County, CA?
I bodysurf and snorkel at Crescent Bay frequently, but just recently learned about Deadman's Reef. Is it an ideal place for snorkeling? How deep and far out is it? Any suggestions and comments?

Any suggestive readings are also appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[scottfiji]

laguna is good for snorkeling when there is no red tide, and the waves are calm, especially around diver's cove, and shaws cove.

 

[xSandman3]

Deadman's Reef is what feels like a 2 mile swim from shore with scuba gear on, and is about 40 feet down...probably a less than ideal snorkeling spot.

 

[Kayak Diver]

Not sure about Orange County, but you're not too far away from San Diego. There's great snorkling at La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. The Cove is a rocky reef, and you can swim into caves. The Shores are great when the Leopard Sharks are out...they'll swim right underneath you!

 

[mccabejc]

My favorite snorkeling spot in SoCal is Lover's Cove on Catalina, on the west side of the ferry landing. It's like an aquarium just a few feet off shore. Viz is usually very good, and never have to worry about waves.

On the mainland, snorkeling is very hit or miss. Usually miss, IMO. Even if you time it right (low surf, good viz), I can't think of any spots which have a real abundance of marine life in the shallows. But then again, I just got back from snorkeling at Shark's Cove on the north shore of Oahu, so that's probably biasing my opinions. That place is incredible.