Moray eel

Eel Land
Did you know that the moray eels found in Southern California waters (the California moray, Gymnothorax mordax) are actually a semi-tropical visitors? It is thought that our local waters are too cold for the creatures to breed, but instead, the tiny babies arrive on the currents from warmer waters to the south. But the sharp-toothed snake-like fish find homes here and we get to enjoy them.

While it is not unusual to find an individual animal here and there, you can also dive spots that are abundant with eels. One such spot is often referred to as Eel Land on the frontside of Catalina. Eel Land is smack dab between two other popular dive sites—Twin Rocks to the east and Goat Harbor to the west. All three are easy dives and if you anchor at Eel Land, it is an easy swim to the other two (although you should dive each three sites separately for maximum enjoyment).

Treefish

The number of eels at Eel Land is not overwhelming, nor are they exceptionally large, but what makes this a special place is the friendliness of the creatures. Most morays cower back into a corner or hole when approached, making photography and observation difficult. Not here. While not aggressive, they have no problem posing repeatedly for fun profiles and portraits. Even so, be careful. Moray eels have an excellent sense of smell but horrible eye sight. Don’t allow them to mistake your finger for a tasty fish!

There are some tricks for photographing morays for maximum effect. They have incredible faces that can be photographed in one of two ways. Depending on the angle and lighting, they can look fierce or happy—same critter, just moments apart. For the fierce look, use harsh side lighting either with one strobe or a significant power difference between two strobes. Morays pass water over their gills with big open-mouth gulps. Time your shot when they open their mouth and you’ll get a photo full of sharp teeth. They will also open their mouths big if threatened. You could poke something at them but you do so at your own risk! Some of the morays at this spot will come out at you open mouthed even without prompting. Do not make contact with them as this will remove their slimy coating and make them vulnerable to disease.

To get that happy moray shot, use softer more even light, take a higher angle and wait until the mouth is closed. They have a natural “smile” that can be captured in this way.

The bottom terrain is also ideal for other fun reef critters. Boulders in a variety of sizes have tumbled down from the steep rock faces ashore creating a moderately steep boulder field underwater. Cracks, crevices and holes hold, in addition to the morays, treefish, horn sharks, and lobster. Attached to the rocks is a seasonal thin kelp forest with garibaldi, calico bass, opaleye, small sheephead, and blacksmith. While not the most spectacular kelp forest and reef along Catalina, it sure is pretty.

The best area, both for moray observation and other marine life is in the 35-to 55-foot range. The rocks give way to a gently sloping sand bottom at about 60 feet. Don’t ignore the sand as you may spot a bat ray or small halibut.

While there is plenty to see in the area you could make a loop dive by either heading to Twin Rocks or Goat Harbor. Or if you dive either of these sites, you could make Eel Land as the apex of your loop. There are a lot of possibilities here.

Dive Spot At-A-Glance

Location: Between Twin Rocks and Goat Harbor on the frontside of Catalina. Both Twin Rocks and Goat Harbor are clearly marked on charts but not Eel Land.
Access: Boat only.
Skill Level: All.
Depths: 20 to 65 feet.
Visibility: Good.
Photography: Best for macro of eels and other small to medium critters. Wide angle okay.
Hunting: Fair for lobster. Occasional halibut on sand and sometimes yellowtail and white sea bass near Twin Rocks.
Hazards: Boat traffic and occasionally current at Twin Rocks.
Suggested Dive Charter Boats Frequently Serving This Area:
Encore - (310) 541-1025
King Neptune - (800) 262-3483
Sundiver - (800) 555-9446
Mr. C - (310) 521-9737
Garibaldi - (310) 510-2800
Express Divers - (866) 488-3483
Scuba Cat - (800) 353-0330
or see the California Scuba Calendar section for trips to Catalina Island