Snorkeling Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California
by Jimbo
(Mission Viejo, CA)
There's a decent snorkeling spot in Laguna Beach, California called Treasure Island Beach.
A small cove in front of the Montage Resort has two finger reefs that jut out fifty yards or so from the sandy areas of the beach. In the rocky areas you can see quite a variety of juvenile fish.
Basically, it's the same fish you would see at La Jolla Cove in San Diego or Lovers Cove on Catalina Island. However, there's usually fewer fish than La Jolla or Lovers Cove.
Since I live in South Orange County, I usually go there every week when the water gets over 70 degrees in late August and early September. It's less of a hassle than driving down to La Jolla. And, it's definitely cheaper than taking the ferry to Catalina Island.
There's freshwater showers and bathrooms available. All in all, it's great for a quick midweek snorkel.
Like anywhere else in California, it's not worth the bother on summer weekends.