Leopards at La Jolla launch?

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Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

I don't think the water is warm enough for the really big turnout like the summer months, but a few are usually there. The best place to see them is in front of the Marine Room restaurant, not the launch. For some reason they like the corner over there better.
There isn't any Macrocystis (giant kelp) within a mile of the launch, so don't plan on seeing any unless its broken off and floating, but if you continue to the left of the Marine Room you will get into some nice eelgrass beds. Thats where the smoothhound sharks and perch all hang out in good numbers. Theres Eisenia in there also (palm kelp). Heading due west several hundred yards will get you nothing but sand and sand dollar beds until you hit the canyon edge in 20-25 feet of water. There's a nice big broomtail grouper that hangs out there, that if you are lucky will come and visit, but it's a long swim.
I'm sounding like a tour guide... I used to scuba dive there and out to the canyon at least once a week for years.

huh... i always pass through kelp in about 30ft of water on my way in.. must be further from the launch than i thought. might take the yaks. Good info though! and thanks. I know one of the main breeding schools is headed north and is between oside and san onofre right now. but the waves and the hike down the cliffs just isn't appealing to me. i haven't been snorkeling in a good 5 years.. so any other info would be appreciated. and dont worry.. i can swim.

would i need a dive flag if we took the yaks?