Laguna Beach’s Best snorkling Beach
Anyone who has visited Laguna Beach knows the turquoise water and white sand beaches are some of the best in Southern California. Locals and tourists alike flock to the coves for relaxing in the summer sun, and cool dips in the pacific. There are so many favorite coves, some for photos, some for exploring, but one stands out when it comes to the world of snorkeling. Now when I say “snorkel” I mean this in the loosest of terms. I have a set of goggles that I love and got from Beach Cities scuba, and often don’t even remember to bring my snorkel. I can get a whopping 8 feet down, so this is definitely beginner-land here. But I would love to tell you the place I love to go and see schools of fish.
Last Saturday, my friend Mara from Komyoon and I were lucky enough to have almost the entire cove to ourselves along with four or five baby seals hanging out, within feet of us. You never know what you might see, but it is always a lovely surprise.
So, how do you get there? Go ahead and put The Montage in your maps app. Park at Treasure Island park parking lot and head to the right down the stairs. (parking is only three hours by meters on the street)
If you look at the photograph on the left, you are heading to that point, Goff Island Beach.
And like always, check your local tide predictions and surf height to be sure there is not a swell hitting the area. You don’t want to battle big waves, as they also churn up the sand and make it less visible. I love using Surfline.
Underwater photography
I love bringing an underwater housing for my camera, my housing is from Aquatech. They also have an underwater housing for your iPhone. I suggest if you are interested in photographing your finds, that a wide angle lens is best underwater.
If you swim out from Goff Island cove, you will not have to go too far out, possibly 20-40 yards where you should spot a myriad of fish, my favorite being the bright orange Garibaldi.(see the photo below)
Also, almost every time a friendly seal will pop his head up to say hi, or will be lying on the rocks of Goff Island basking in the sun.
All of these photos were taken in this small cove at one point or another, the visibility varies, but it is a bit protected from swells, so you often times get a calm clear spot to swim and snorkel.
Even my son’s high school Marine Ecology teacher had his students meet him here to observe the marine life and tide pools when they had a chance. If you are visiting laguna from out of town, it is a must see for sure.
Pair this spot with a nice lunch at La Sirena Grill and you have yourself a recipe for a perfect summer day in Laguna Beach, California.
