Many divers and snorkelers who frequent the waters of La Jolla look at me in disbelief when I say I saw the turtles today. I tell them it is not a mystical sea creature, but that we do have these green beauties in our chilly waters off the coast. If the person continues to be sceptical, I just flip open my phone and scroll through the many photos we have taken of these amazing creatures.
It is a long swim to get to the special snorkeling area where the turtles love to hang around but worth it. Most of this area off La Jolla is part of the protected ecological reserve and underwater Marine Park. To access the area you have three choices of where to enter the ocean, the Cove, Shores or Marine Room. We prefer the Marine Room but sometimes ocean conditions make one of the other locations a better option. If you’re new to the area be sure to enter near a lifeguard tower. There are towers off the main beach areas at both La Jolla Shores and Cove. It is always advised to check with the lifeguards to be sure conditions are safe to enter.
As you start snorkeling away from shore keep in mind that sometimes it may be hard to find our turtles simply because the location covers such a large area. Enjoy the area while you search. Periodically just stop and just float on the surface. Take in the view of our majestic sea cliffs that surround most of the ocean inlet. The La Jolla marine park has a vast array of underwater life. While you make your way over to the site check out the bright orange Garibaldi, our California state fish. Take a peak under the rocks along the ocean floor to get a glimpse of our adorable California spiny lobsters. Keep an eye peeled for our big green moray eels who love to poke their heads up from secluded hiding spots as you snorkel past. Taking time to enjoy the underwater area and sea cliffs means that even if you miss the turtles you will still enjoy the beautiful marine park.
Turtles, Myth or Reality
Most of the turtles we have seen off La Jolla have medium to dark brown shells. The green turtles can grow to over 5 feet long and weigh upwards of 400 pounds. Our local residents vary in size with the smallest being a cutie around 15 pounds and the largest must have weighed well over 200 pounds. We often see them along the sea cliffs. There are a couple that have visited regularly over the last couple years. We get to know them by the markings on their shells. But in the last year we have had quite a few new visitors.Lately the best time of year to find our turtles is pretty much anytime. It used to be that late summer and early autumn was the best time off La Jolla. Possibly because of the recent warm water phenomena we have had a least one or two around the entire year for the past two years. We are keeping or fingers crossed that they just decide to move to La Jolla permanently.
The best time of day to go is probably any time the ocean is nice and calm. Typically we have more turtle sightings in the afternoons than mornings but this may be due to the ocean being a bit clearer as the day goes on.
The best way to experience these guys in La Jolla is either freediving or just snorkeling at the surface. Since you are at the surface more, you have the opportunity to see them pop their head above the water or see them underneath. Once you find one of the residents, it is easy to swim with them or watch them eat. A favorite food is the red kelp that grows along the bottom so keep an looking for this colorful plant.
The coolest thing about our turtles is they are not afraid of people. Swimming right by you without a care in the world. This makes for an amazing encounter and photo opportunity. There is nothing more exciting then to be swimming along and look and seeing a sea turtle either on the ground chomping away at the kelp, or swimming freely near the surface for a breath of air.
Over the last couple years, the population of turtles in La Jolla has grown and the snorkeling encounters are more frequent. So find a San Diego local who knows the secret spot, grab your gear and get out there to experience our turtles for yourself.
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