Lovers Cove Marine Preserve
A vibrant marine preserve in Avalon, Catalina Island, perfect for snorkeling with abundant fish and kelp forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer snorkel tours
Lovers Cove Marine Preserve
Best Time
Fewer snorkel tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marine preserve in Avalon, Catalina Island, perfect for snorkeling with abundant fish and kelp forests.
"Great little cove out of the way... great area for snorkeling… Saw a shark too!"
🤿 Bring Water Shoes
The rocky, pebbly beach can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfortable entry and exit!
🚤 Watch for Boats
Glass bottom boats and subs frequent the area. Stay aware of your surroundings while snorkeling.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Garibaldi Sightings
Underwater
Spot the dazzling, bright orange Garibaldi fish in the kelp forests. A protected species and California's state marine fish!
Kelp Forest Exploration
Underwater
Dive into lush kelp forests teeming with marine life. A fantastic spot for beginner snorkelers to explore.
Seal Spotting Opportunities
Shoreline
With patience, you might catch seals surfacing near the rocks. A delightful bonus to your marine adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Snorkeling Hotspot, Not Sunbathing Spot
Timing is Key for Marine Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Bring Water Shoes
The rocky, pebbly beach can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfortable entry and exit!
🚤 Watch for Boats
Glass bottom boats and subs frequent the area. Stay aware of your surroundings while snorkeling.
Snorkeling in Catalina
Visiting Catalina for the first time. So many questions I want to ask, including for a future proposal.
🐠 Fish Can Be Bold
Tour groups feed fish, making them quite forward. Be prepared for curious calico bass!
➡️ Consider Pebbly Beach
For a less crowded, more natural fish experience, walk to Pebbly Beach.
Day trip for girl scout troop
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Bring Water Shoes
The rocky, pebbly beach can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfortable entry and exit!
🚤 Watch for Boats
Glass bottom boats and subs frequent the area. Stay aware of your surroundings while snorkeling.
🐠 Fish Can Be Bold
Tour groups feed fish, making them quite forward. Be prepared for curious calico bass!
➡️ Consider Pebbly Beach
For a less crowded, more natural fish experience, walk to Pebbly Beach.
💰 Wetsuit Rental
Wetsuit rentals are affordable ($15/day) and make getting used to the water much easier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lovers Cove is celebrated for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, with abundant marine life like Garibaldi and kelp forests. Visitors appreciate its easy walkability from Avalon. However, the rocky terrain makes it less suitable for sunbathing, and it can get crowded with snorkel tours.
"Beautiful little cove. Totally walkable from the cruise terminal. Amazing views and photo opportunities. It was too cold to swim, but I don't remember if it's even allowed here at this spot. You can spy some girbraldi in the water if you look for the bright orange spots in the kelp."
Moonbeam009
"Great little cove out of the way… they also have picnic tables across the road in shade too..:: the beach is very pebbly but it’s a great area for snorkeling…. Saw a shark too!"
Andrew McCauley
"Lover’s Cove is located immediately south of the ferry landing. It offers super views of the ocean and waves crashing on the rocks. If you’re patient you’ll be seeing seals surfacing. There is snorkeling off the cement steps in the center of cove. There is a large drop close to shore and you’ll find kelp forests and bright orange Garibaldi."
Monty D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lovers Cove Marine Preserve is conveniently located just south of the ferry landing in Avalon, making it easily walkable. You can follow the coastline path.
Parking in Avalon can be limited. If you're not walking from the ferry, look for public parking areas in town. The preserve itself is best accessed on foot.
Yes, Lovers Cove is open to boats. If you're arriving by private vessel, be mindful of snorkelers and designated areas.
The best way to experience Lovers Cove is by snorkeling or diving to see the marine life. The surrounding area also offers scenic views.
While you can enter the water for snorkeling, the cove is rocky and not ideal for traditional sunbathing or swimming. Water shoes are recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lovers Cove Marine Preserve is a public marine protected area and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
As a natural preserve, Lovers Cove is accessible at all times. However, visibility for snorkeling is best during daylight hours.
As a marine preserve, fishing and collecting marine life are prohibited. Be respectful of the natural environment.
While there aren't direct rental facilities at the cove itself, you can rent snorkeling gear, fins, and wetsuits from shops in Avalon.
There is no specific admission fee for snorkeling at Lovers Cove. You only need to cover the cost of any gear rentals if you don't bring your own.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see vibrant Garibaldi, various fish in kelp forests, and potentially seals. Some visitors have even spotted sharks!
Yes, Lovers Cove is often recommended for beginner snorkelers due to its accessible entry points and relatively calm waters.
Wearing a wetsuit is recommended for comfort, especially if you plan to spend a good amount of time in the water. Water shoes are also highly advised due to the rocky terrain.
There are no dedicated facilities directly at Lovers Cove. Restrooms and showers are available in Avalon, a short walk away.
It's generally safe, but always be aware of boat traffic and currents. Wearing a life jacket is a good idea if you're not a strong swimmer.
📸 📸 Photography
The cove itself offers beautiful ocean views and waves crashing on rocks. Underwater photography is spectacular, capturing the marine life and kelp forests.
Absolutely! Lovers Cove is a fantastic spot for underwater photography. Just be mindful of your equipment and the marine environment.
The shoreline provides scenic overlooks. For underwater shots, the kelp forests and rocky areas are prime locations.
For underwater shots, a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is essential. For above-water, a standard camera or smartphone will capture the coastal beauty.
Yes, if you're patient and observant, you might be able to capture photos of seals near the shore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring water shoes for everyone to navigate the rocky shore comfortably. Consider renting wetsuits to keep kids warm and extend their time in the water. While the fish can be bold, it's usually more exciting than scary for children. Keep an eye out for glass bottom boats and submarines, and ensure children stay close to adults while snorkeling.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
Recommendations for snorkelers: Invest in good quality fins and masks if you have them, or rent them locally. Wetsuits are highly recommended for comfort and extended exploration. Be aware of the rocky entry points and wear water shoes. If you're looking for a less crowded experience, consider visiting during weekday mornings or exploring nearby Pebbly Beach for a slightly different perspective.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Bring a waterproof camera or phone case for capturing the underwater beauty. Look for opportunities to photograph the Garibaldi fish in their natural habitat. The rocky formations and ocean views from the shore are also excellent subjects. Be mindful of boat traffic when composing your shots, especially if you're focusing on the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect
For beginners, the cove offers relatively easy access to the water, often via cement steps. However, the seabed is rocky and pebbly, which is why wearing water shoes is highly recommended to protect your feet. Some reviewers mention that the fish, particularly calico bass, can be quite bold due to being fed by tour groups, so be prepared for them to approach you closely.
When planning your snorkeling trip, consider renting a wetsuit. Even on warmer days, the ocean water can be cool, and a wetsuit will allow you to stay comfortable for longer. Many visitors find the rental cost to be reasonable and well worth the extended enjoyment of the underwater scenery.
Navigating Avalon and Accessing the Cove
While walking is the most common and recommended way to reach the cove, parking in Avalon can be a challenge. If you are driving to the island, be prepared to find public parking and then make your way to the preserve on foot. The proximity to Avalon's amenities, like restrooms and dining options, is a significant advantage for visitors.
It's important to note that while the cove is easily reachable, the terrain is primarily rocky and pebbly. This means it's not the ideal spot for traditional beach activities like sunbathing. The focus here is on the marine life and the underwater experience, so pack accordingly with water shoes and snorkeling gear rather than beach towels and umbrellas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit