Giant Kelp Forests

The immense kelp forests can be found everywhere around Catalina Island. The kelp rises up to 20 meters (65 feet) from the sea bottom to the surface. Giant bladder kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) which is the largest known species of algae makes up most of the island’s kelp ecosystem. Using a holdfast, a root-like structure, kelp secure themselves to the seafloor and the leaves get suspended in the water thanks to a series of gas-filled bladders. These enormous algae forests are home to a huge variety of marine animals.

The Purple Hydrocoral

Although most corals are found in tropical waters and Catalina is found in the temperate zone of the ocean, a handful of non-reef-building can be found here. A popular destination for fishers and divers off Catalina’s Windward Beach is Farnsworth Bank. There lies a beautiful underwater ecosystem that’s home to the purple hydrocoral. Catalina Island’s rare purple hydrocoral, Stylaster californicus, is a stunning stony oral of a vibrant purple or blue hue that’s a real treat for underwater photographers. In 1972, the island declared the purple hydrocoral was a protected species.

Marine Animals

Catalina Island has some of the most diverse underwater life in Southern California. Some of the fish that can be seen here include the Garibaldi – California’s marine state fish, the California sheephead, Mola mola, green moray eel, bat ray, leopard shark. Sea lions are also often seen around the island.