Kelpbass are just one of many resident fishes in Lovers Cove. Photo courtesy Catalina Divers Supply
Catalina Island takes a lifetime to explore — living and working here full-time provides an opportunity to discover many of the island’s secrets.
Lovers Cove is one of Catalina Island’s most intriguing spots. For more than a century, Catalina Island visitors have been exploring its undersea gardens, thanks to the innovation of replacing the bottom of a boat with a pane of glass. The original glass bottom boats were simply modified rowboats, but these days, in addition to glass bottom boats, Lovers Cove is also home to semi-submersibles complete with air conditioning and fish feeders. Those vessels are a great way to see under the sea while staying dry, but the secret to Lovers Cove is getting wet.
Catalina Island snorkeling is as easy as swimming. With protected waters and abundant marine life, snorkeling on Catalina is one of our favorite activities. Several guided snorkeling tours are available, or you can rent or bring your gear and take the plunge on your own. Generations of fishes have learned that humans are a great source of food and snorkelers will be quickly surrounded by dozens of hungry garibaldi, opaleye and calico bass. Their favorite food? Frozen peas – just be sure and take any trash out of the cove.