Catalina Island's Avalon offers forever views. Seen in the photo is a
Pacific Ocean vantage point of Pebbly Beach.
Pebbly Beach on Avalon (Catalina
Island) is around the bend from downtown. It is one of the most popular
spots for snorkeling dives, and is where you'll mostly see the glass bottom
boats head to from the Green Pier near the downtown and sandy beaches.
Pebbly Beach and its popular Lover's Cove is within walking distance, less
than a block from the Cabrillo Mole and boat dock where the Catalina Flyer
and Catalina Express
dock.
Named Pebbly Beach for its rocks,
there isn't much of a beach for sandy sunbathing in this location. For such
enjoyment, your best options are downtown at the main beach - Crescent
Beach. There's also a small private beach, that charges a fee for use.
Descanso Beach is located near the Avalon Ballroom. It has kayak rentals,
concessions, and is available for meetings and events. Pebbly Beach Lover's
Cove is a large crescent shaped area with a cobblestone beach visible at low
tide. Stairs from Pebbly Beach Road offer beach/ocean access.
Lover's Cove accessible from Pebbly
Beach Road is the hub of activity for snorkelers, and the glass bottom
boats. Diving is prohibited here and these reefs are protected. A bed
of kelp is where you'll often spot kelp bass. They actually may nudge those
who attempt to feed them pieces of bread, small peas and other food items,
and they can nip at your fingers (not intentional), just to dine on what
you're handing out. Gloves can be rented to protect you from bites. There's
often a rental van located near the stairs that lead to the cove. There are
lockers and restrooms at the ferry landing on the Mole where you may want to
leave your clothing and valuables before heading into the water.
The cove snorkeling is approx. 15 feet
deep and the water is clear, sporting views of starfish and anemones,
garibaldi, eels and more. Lover's Cove, from the Cabrillo Mole to beyond
Abalone Point, is a marine preserve that is heavily patrolled with not
touching or pulling of plant life permitted. To get a sampling of the beauty
that awaits in this area of the island, as you depart your boat upon
arrival, look down in the water. Most times you'll see the color blue water,
green kelp, and hungry fish that hope you're bringing them a favorite snack
when you visit and snorkel at Pebbly Beach.
