Best Crystal Cove State Park Snorkeling

Southeast of Newport Beach and northwest of Laguna Beach, the snorkeling off Crystal Cove State Park is popular. There are 1,140 acres of water offshore of Crystal Cove State Park that are a designated underwater marine park where you are likely to spot the orange garibaldi fish and dolphins. The two best snorkeling dive sites at Crystal Cove State Park are Pelican Point and Reef Point.

The waters of Crystal Cove State Park are quite cool, so a wetsuit may be desirable. Also, there can be strong rip currents, so make sure to check conditions before heading out.

Overall, Crystal Cove State Park is the 1st most popular snorkel dive spot of all 12 snorkeling dives in California. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Crystal Cove State Park including Santa Catalina Island, Divers Cove and Shaws Cove.