Catalina Offers Superb Scuba Diving

Beautiful Marine Life and Clear Catalina Waters Provide Ideal Diving

Experienced scuba divers consider diving sites in the waters around Catalina Island to be among the best in Southern California, and with good reason. Though close to the coastal ports of greater Los Angeles, the ocean here is generally calmer, clearer, cleaner, and warmer, all characteristics that optimize the diving experience.

The leeward shore (sheltered from the wind) generally remains undisturbed even when waters are churning along the coast of the nearby mainland. Better still, the ocean life and underwater geography along Catalina's shoreline abound in spectacular beauty and variety. Dive sites are also welcomingly accessible, and have been popular and protected for so many years that scuba divers can almost certainly count on having a good experience on a visit to Catalina.

Catalina's leeward shore is generally sheltered from the wind offering certified divers calm waters

Whether you're experienced or completely new to the sport, local dive shops make Catalina scuba diving all the easier for you. They carry a full range of equipment for purchase or rental, as well as providing air tank fills and repair services. They also offer a wide variety of organized scuba diving experiences for experienced and beginning divers alike. The range of dive sites and services will let you delve into the pleasures of scuba diving whether you're making just a brief stop on Catalina or planning a vacation of several days or more.

If time is limited and you want to stay close to Avalon, get any equipment you need from a local dive shop and head straight for Avalon Underwater Park, just off Casino Point, or Lover's Cove Reserve, just southeast of Cabrillo Wharf. Both are short strolls from the harbor. Avalon Underwater Park is most easily accessed from the breakwater by way of a staircase cut into the rock. This access makes it easy for a very worthwhile exploration of a kelp bed, intriguing rock and coral formations, a monument to undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, and four ships that have been sunken to provide ocean life habitats. There are also organized night dives at this location. Be prepared to share both of these close-to-town dive sites with enthusiastic snorkelers. Dive shops in Avalon also arrange access via boat, guided experiences, and training for novices at these sites.

If you're staying in one of the boat-in campsites on the island, you'll also find plenty of opportunities for beach-based diving. But some of Avalon's most spectacular dive sites are accessed only by boat, whether it's a craft you own, rent, or charter, or a dive boat trip, complete with lunch, equipment, and supervision, organized by one of the dive shops in

Avalon or Two Harbors.

Several outstanding dive shops operate out of both Avalon and Twin Harbors, making it easy for scuba divers, whatever their experience, to enjoy the wonders of Catalina's waters. They offer a complete range of scuba diving equipment for both sale and rental, along with airfills, as well as organizing scuba lessons and scuba tours–including one-, two-, and three-tank dive excursions at one to three different dive sites.

Plan ahead and book your Catalina scuba diving experience well in advance, particularly during the high-traffic summer months. Dive shops also offer extensive, expert training and scuba certification courses for both adults and children. If you're traveling in a group with non-divers, most dive shops allow non-divers to ride along on dive excursions for a reduced fee, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the island's waters from the comfort of the dive boat. Allow several hours to several days for your diving experience. Reservations are recommended.

The following dive shops can make informed recommendations based on your interests and experience.

Catalina Dive Shop - On site at Lover’s Cove. 877-SNORKEL or 1-87-SCUBA DIVE

Catalina Diver’s Supply & Dive Shop - Offering introductory scuba dives with no experience, guided scuba tours, and certification classes from open water through rescue diver. Two locations for full service rental, sales and air fills. Boat trips are always available. Call 310.510.0330 for reservations.

Catalina Scuba Luv - Full service dive center. Intro dives, advanced training, boat charters, gear rentals. 800-262-DIVE

Catalina Snorkal & Scuba Adventures - On-site at Lover's Cove. Call toll free 1-877-SNORKEL

Catalina West End Dive Center - Two Harbors has a full service, PADI certified dive shop. Offering boat dives, instruction at all levels, guided underwater tours, guided kayaking tours and equipment rentals. 310.510.4272