Catalina Island Giant Kelp Forest

Catalina Island - home to the Giant Kelp Forest, California, U.S.A.

Giant kelps shimmered under the November Sun just below the calm surface. (WX5 JPEG)

A little further down, the back-lite blades glowed brightly against the deep-blue background. (WX5 JPEG)

Norris Snail, Norrissa Norissa or the Kelp Snail, spends its entire life, traveling up and down the giant plant. (WX5 JPEG)

Oxygen bubbles formed all over the kelp blades - algae collectively produces over 80% of the Earth's oxygen. (WX5 JPEG)

Baby kelps on the sea floor. (WX5 JPEG)

Stipes and air bladders. (WX5 JPEG)

Kelp holdfast anchors the plant to the sea floor. (WX5 JPEG)

Looking straight up at the sunlight, penetrating through the kelp canopy. (WX5 JPEG)

It got relatively dark 40 feet (12 meters) down as the sunlight was mostly blocked by the dense forest above. (WX5 JPEG)

The place was teaming with all types of marine life. (WX5 JPEG)

It was an absolutely delightful experience, swimming through such a beautiful environment! (WX5 JPEG)

Catalina Giant Kelp Forest is a must-see place for scuba lovers. (WX5 JPEG)