What are the best, safest, family-friendly places to go snorkeling in Southern California?

There are 2 adults and 2 teenagers in the family. The kids have never been snorkeling before and I want to go some places in the southern california area that are safe yet have amazing things to see. Does anyone also know the best places to go on Catalina island? I would love to hear experiences about the places. Thanks!!!

Public Comments

1. Catalina Island. None better. Start at Avalon and work your way clockwise around the island. It's not very big. I would book a diving (snorkling) vacation there. That way you'll hit ALL of the good spots. They always work out better because if you try to find the places yourself it's always hit or miss. No, I'm not a travel agent, but I've tried to "book" my own vacations and found that if you book with someone local to where you're going, they get in all of the "good" stuff.
2. You can theoretically, snorkel at any beach, the question is what will you see besides garbage. Catalina is your best bet, that I know of. I'm sure others will weigh in.
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4. I don't know if California is ever that good for snorkeling, but i would try Catalina and call one of the scuba diving places for the particular spot to dive. I have done the dive park in Avalon and it not bad but its much more of a scuba place.