Best of 2000: Best Snorkeling

La Jolla Cove, La Jolla

The 533-acre Ecological Reserve that runs from Scripps Institution of Oceanography south to Alligator Head is the only one of its kind hereabouts. Protection has made the sea life abundant. Fish commonly sighted above the sandy bottoms and rocky reefs and amidst the kelp beds include garibaldi, California sheephead, giant kelpfish, señoritas, zebraperch, surfperch, and opaleyes. Bat rays, stingrays, knobby sea stars, two-spotted octopus, California spiny lobsters, abalone, tiny kelp limpets, giant keyhole limpets, moray eels, and crabs make their home here. Feather boa kelp undulates. Surf grass waves. Beautiful braided hair seaweed beckons.