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Catalina
Island , California
Interesting
facts about Catalina Island;
Physical Facts - geography
Catalina is about 20 miles off the mainland
It is 21 miles long
8 miles at its widest point
Its highest point Mount Orizaba sticks 2,069 feet out
of the Pacific Ocean
It has a 54 mile perimeter
The ocean reaches depths of 3,000 feet between the island
and the mainland. |
Wildlife
Facts
On Land
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The
native wildlife includes mule deer, bald eagles, red-tailed
hawks, ravens, and others. It also includes species
that are only found here including the Beechy squirrel
and the Catalina Island fox.
86% of the Island is a wildlife sanctuary
Underwater around the island
Fish found in the shallows around the island include
Opaleye with their easily identifiable large white spots
under their dorsal fin and the motley colored calico
or kelp bass . It's also possible to see, bright orange
Garibaldi, Leopard sharks and Horned sharks as well
as Zebra perch, Half Moons, Sheepshead, a couple varieties
of wrass, and even the occasional bird looking for a
fish meal.
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I
n
the nearby Open Ocean
Not far off-shore the abundant wildlife of the Pacific
Ocean thrive. A sampling of these include playful dolphin,
magnificent grey whales, the awesome marlin that can often
be seen jumping out of the water, and the giant tuna that
will cause the water to boil when they prey on bait fish. |
Catalina
Underwater
To
really experience Catalina Island you've got to experience
its underside. There are exciting experiences to be had on
glass bottom boats and semisubmersibles. Getting in the water
is even more rewarding. There are numerous types of fish that
you can get so close to you think you could almost touch them.
The water is relatively warm here, especially in late spring,
summer, and early fall. Bringing diving gear is a good idea,
but the gear can be easily rented on shore as well.
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