Is Catalina worth the extra cost for snorkeling?

[fflmaster]

Am trying to decide if spending $70 per person is worth the cost for 4 people to explore and snorkel at Catalina Island.

Otherwise we would snorkel at La Jolla outside of San Diego.

Does anyone know how good the snorkeling is at La Jolla?

 

[usnuzuloose]

Am trying to decide if spending $70 per person is worth the cost for 4 people to explore and snorkel at Catalina Island.

Otherwise we would snorkel at La Jolla outside of San Diego.

Does anyone know how good the snorkeling is at La Jolla?

A few questions, does the cost include a tour? Is the cost per person or for all of you?

 

[fflmaster]

The cost I previously mentioned is per person and doesn't not include any tours. So $280 just to get over to see and possibly snorkel in Catalina Island.

Just trying to find if other find that worth the cost.

 

[sonnyjane]

Am trying to decide if spending $70 per person is worth the cost for 4 people to explore and snorkel at Catalina Island. Otherwise we would snorkel at La Jolla outside of San Diego. Does anyone know how good the snorkeling is at La Jolla?

After reading your first line I was going to recommend just going to La Jolla but then you did it for me! Honestly I've done both and saw exactly the same stuff - kelp, urchins, garibaldi, sea lions... But La Jolla is far more convenient (and cheap).

 

[usnuzuloose]

I would do the snorkeling in La Jolla. You can rent a golf for a little more and you can tour Catalina Island.

 

[Purrkins]

Am trying to decide if spending $70 per person is worth the cost for 4 people to explore and snorkel at Catalina Island.

Otherwise we would snorkel at La Jolla outside of San Diego.

Does anyone know how good the snorkeling is at La Jolla?

Snorkeling is decent. But depends on the tides, wind and if its rained lately (likely not).

Do not expect coral reefs - it's a kelp forest. Pretty cool though. Some days you'll get 20 foot visibility (considered good here), other days it is total junk.

Depending on when you arrive you might want to also Google "La Jolla shores leopard sharks" - they spawn in June and come right up to the shore and swim between your legs. They're harmless.

Catalina makes an excellent day trip however...

 

[Lolsmum]

I love Catalina. I'm not 100% I'd go just for snorkling, but for a day trip or even a night or two it is lovely.