OT: Snorkeling with kids near Disneyland

[TCC]

Hi folks!

I know many of you are experienced divers and many more enjoy snorkeling and the ocean as do we all.

Planning a trip to Disneyland (CA) with the kiddies (ages 9 and 7) in a couple of weeks.

I'm curious if anyone knows of a kid-friendly place (a quiet, shallow cove, maybe?) they would be safe snorkeling and have some fun. We'd need to rent equipment. Both kids are excellent swimmers and snorkel well in the pool, even with the cheapo equipment.

Any tips would be appreciated!

thanks

 

[Pico1]

All the water around there is freezing just so you know. I was in a wet suit snorkeling in san diego/mexico last summer and I was too cold to even enjoy myself. The atlanic is WAY warmer.

 

[Reefugee]

I agree with Jordan. I used to live in S. California when I was younger, and the water in S. California is too cold to stay in for any long period of time without a good wetsuit. But then if your kids are like Sierra (my youngest) - they would go swiming in 65 water - claiming it's not cold while they chatter their teeth. :lol:

 

[TCC]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the advise! I knew it would be cold, but there are some many places advertising for snorkeling, I thought it was more common. Probably not for kids though....

BTW- Minh, my kids are the same way. They'll swim in a 65 degree pool until their lips are blue!

 

[Reefugee]

BTW - I don't know how it cost to rent snorkel gears, but have you considered purchasing them? I purchased a few sets from Costco and they were pretty inexpensive. It comes with fins, snorkel, mask, and a carrying case. Only thing missing is maybe a floatation vest.

Even though we haven't used it for snorkeling, Sierra and all of her friends like using the masks when they go swimming in the pool. If you have a pool, it might be a good investment.

 

[GreshamH]

Pssh, wimps I never used a wetsuit, until I started surfing and having more contact with the wind. Guess you can lump me in as a wimp now, as I won't touch it with out my Henderson SuperStretch :lol:

 

[goslugsgo]

Too cold? You're kidding right?
In the winter, yes, wetsuits only, but there is no need for a wetty in the summer.
Where are you staying?

 

[Nu2SW]

So Cal can't be colder in the summer then Half Moon Bay. I use to boogie board there in the winter and summer and that water is FREEZINGG.....

 

[TCC]

Hi we're staying right at Disneyland, so we'll be in Anaheim. If too cold for snorkeling, maybe there are tide pools are something to explore at. Either way, we'll try and find a nice beach not too far.

Maybe I will check out Sam's Club or smothing for equipement. They do love to snorkel in the pool too!

 

[German]

Hi Melissa,

Just at Disneyland two weeks ago. Had a blast with a my 4yr old and my almost 2 yrs. Are you staying at the park or accross the street?

German

 

[stabruciandosi]

depending on the swell and time of year water all over california is quite warm, ive surfed as far north as bolinas without a wetsuit and grew up in san luis obispo surfing without a wetsuit, its really not that cold, especially as you down past LA and SD. I doubt that the temperature is too cold for kids this time of year in LA.

 

[TCC]

HI German!!!! :wavehand: Is that baby really two years old already?!?!?!?

We're adjacent to the park itself. Can't wait as my older one says she's finally brave enough for the BIG rides!

We're gonna do some beach type siteseeing there as well. I figure if we can't snorkel, we'll find some beach and/or tide pools along the way.

 

[bsaastad]

I guess everyone's tolerence is different. I haven't been swimming right on the SoCal coast in quite some time, but I've been in the water off Catalina Island with no trouble. The water was chilly, but nothing a summer suit couldn't deal with easily.

 

[plankton]

Just went body surfing with my son in San Diego. Actually it was a beach in Del Mar. The weather was perfect and the water felt like bath water! Excellent.

The beaches there aren't the best for diving because they are very fine sand and they slope out very, very gradually out. No near drop-offs or kelp beds there. For that you'll have to go to NCAL.

If you really want to dive, try taking a boat out to Catalina Island. THAT is nice diving spot with a shear cliff that will blow you away.

Scott