There are so many great dive spots around Catalina Island, but did you know that you can’t scuba dive in Avalon Harbor? 364 days a year, scuba diving in Avalon Harbor is not allowed. But on one particular date, you can get your gear on and scuba dive throughout Avalon Harbor. The Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup happens once a year, and it’s the only time that scuba divers can explore Avalon Harbor. On this special day, it’s diving with a purpose. This event attracts hundreds of volunteer divers to come and collect trash and debris, doing their part to clean up the waters around Catalina. It is is co-hosted by Catalina Divers Supply and the Avalon Rotary Club Foundation, and its proceeds benefit the USC Hyperbaric Chamber, the Avalon Rotary Club Foundation, and the Casino Dive Park improvement project. This year’s event will be the 43rd annual cleanup, and it’s truly one of Southern California’s major dive events. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup.
When is the Cleanup? The big event is on Saturday, February 22, 2025. It’s important to note that all dive masters and site leaders must attend the dive meeting on the evening of Friday, February 21, 2025.
How do I sign up? Both divers and non-divers can go to the booking page to register. The cost for divers is $50, and the non-diver fee is $35. While we prefer you plan ahead, it’s possible to register on the day of the event at the Wrigley Stage; the cost on the day of the event is $65. Registration will open at 7:30am and will close at 8:45am.
Can I register more than one diver? You can! If you have a group of divers that want to join, you have the option to register as a dive club. Reach out to admin@catalinadiverssupply.com in order to add a club to our registration dropdown menu.
Can I dive alone? For this event, it is necessary to have a dive buddy. You can register with a buddy, or you can get paired up on the day of the event.
If I don’t want to dive, can I still go? Of course! You can even volunteer. There are some available volunteer jobs like kayak patrol or surf safety patrol. Check out all the volunteer opportunities here.
Where can I get gear? There is no better place on the island to get your dive gear than Catalina Divers Supply. A scuba package includes a tank, weights, wetsuit, regulator, BC, mask, snorkel, and fins. You can also upgrade to a top shelf package with an upgraded regulator or a deluxe package that includes a computer. Because it’s a busy weekend for divers, be sure to reserve your gear in advance. Check out Catalina Divers Supply for more information.
Where do we meet up for the dive? When you register, you can select your point of entry for the cleanup dive. You can choose from 3 locations: The Green Pier, which is an easy beach entry, Step Beach, a more difficult stair entry, or Casino Point, the most difficult stair or wall entry.
Are we allowed to dive from our boats? Please choose one of our 3 dive entry locations. There is no diving from boats, and no exceptions. All event divers must check in and out of the water from land.
Can I use a rebreather for the dive? This is a no--because we need to be able to track divers at all times. In an active harbor like Avalon Harbor where there will be boat traffic, tracking is imperative; only open circuit diving is allowed for this event.
How do we collect the trash? Plan to bring a game bag or other receptacle to collect any trash or debris you find during your dive in Avalon Harbor. The use of lift bags is not allowed. Be sure to leave sea life undisturbed in its proper home too.
What else does the day entail? You’ll check in early in the morning from 7 to 8:45am. You’ll get a wristband that will be punched upon your exit from the water. The dive takes place from 9 to 11am, with mandatory safety briefings at each dive site. After the dive, an awards ceremony complete with prizes and giveaways takes place on Wrigley Stage in Avalon from 1 to 3pm. You can bring your wristband to the Wrigley Stage after 10am to collect your event t-shirt.
What if I need to cancel? We want all registered divers to make it to the event, but in the case that you cannot, your registration fee is appreciated as a donation.
Plan your dive adventure for the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup. Many divers choose to travel to Avalon on the Catalina Express; we offer coupons to registered divers for their round-trip boat fare. You can also travel on your own boat; be sure to arrange for a mooring through the Avalon Harbor Master. LoveCatalina.com is a great resource for places to stay and dine when you’re visiting Avalon, and Catalina Taxi and Tours offers great options for getting around the island.
Ready to dive in? Reach out to info@catalinadiverssupply.com with any questions about the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup.
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