Why You Should Dive Catalina Island

Legend has it that way back in 1890 an abalone harvester used a box with a glass panel at the bottom and held it over the side of his boat so that he could see all of the sea life around Avalon Bay. Soon, everyone wanted a glimpse. This was the beginning of glass bottom boat operations around Catalina Island; following the lead of the glass bottom box many fishermen would opt to operate boats with clear glass bottoms in order to take tourists around, allowing them a better look into the underwater world surrounding Catalina. There is just so much to see throughout the clear, cool waters around the island. Today, glass bottom boats remain a tourist attraction in Catalina, but surely nothing compares to getting into the water and scuba diving alongside all the island’s flora and fauna. Divers from all around the world head to Catalina to enjoy all the diverse marine life and the beautiful island setting. And divers of all levels of experience come to experience the wonders of Catalina scuba diving. Read on to learn more about why you should dive Catalina Island.

Come explore the majestic kelp forests. When you are swimming or scuba diving in the waters around Catalina you’ll notice the thriving kelp that grows so abundantly. The sun shines through these translucent underwater plants, and as you dive down and look up, the scene is truly otherworldly. The Catalina kelp makes a great environment for hundreds of species of invertebrates and vertebrates alike, making it the perfect place to spot plenty of marine life on a dive.

See a variety of sea life. One of the brightest stars under the sea around Catalina is the California state marine fish, the garibaldi. These creatures look like giant orange goldfish, and the juveniles shine and shimmer underwater with an iridescent violet color atop their orange scales. There is so much more to look for too; you might also spot the ginormous giant black sea bass, slithery eels, spotted leopard sharks, elusive octopus, graceful bat rays, spiny lobster, and calico bass—among other sea creatures.  

It’s clear as day. In the summertime, Catalina’s waters can reach up to 70 degrees, and daily visibility is typically 40 to 60 feet. However, at times, visibility can be as high as 70 to 80 feet. The waters around Catalina are noticeably more clear than those around the mainland, and even when temps are lower, divers come all year round to explore Catalina’s waters.

There are plenty of well-maintained dive sites. A number of dive sites around Catalina are marine protected areas (MPAs). These designations help to preserve the diversity and populations of sea life and their habitats, protecting marine ecosystems. Some favorite dive sites around the island include Casino Point Dive Park, Blue Cavern Point, Lover’s Cove, Eagle Reef, and Little Farnsworth. Conveniently, Catalina Divers Supply has a fill service dive center right at the Casino Building, and many divers head right into the gorgeous underwater gardens at Casino Point.

It’s a safe space. Catalina Island is home to many little coves and protected bays that lend themselves to very safe and calm settings for scuba diving. The island is also home to a hyperbaric medical facility, the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, that specializes in treatment after scuba diving accidents.

All levels are welcome. Those who are new to scuba diving can work on their dive skills and experience all around Catalina. Advanced divers enjoy the different underwater environments too. If you’re looking to take some dive courses you can do so in the on-site classroom at Catalina Divers Supply. Some Catalina dive courses they offer include: open water diver, advanced open water, rescue diver, Avelo, master scuba diver, dive master and different specialty courses.

Get access to a dive boat. While diving Catalina you can charter the Scuba Cat with Catalina Divers Supply. This 46-foot Newton fiberglass-hull dive boat is the island’s only boat that has been custom built for dive trips. Private and group charters are welcome aboard, and the Scuba Cat also offers plenty of amenities including: a sun deck, easy exit ladders, 3 hot water shower heads, 2 camera tables, fresh water equipment, a camera rinse tank, a head, and a sink. There are also knowledgeable captain and crew members on board to help with your dive.

Catalina Divers Supply can help you plan your adventure. We are known as the premier dive center on the island, and we offer a number of adventures for divers of all levels. Stay in Avalon and dive by the iconic Casino. Charter a boat to explore some hidden coves. Book a multi-day dive trip. Whatever experience you’re aiming for, we can help to customize your dive trips. Learn more at our website, or reach out to us at 310-510-0330.