Destination guide
Kelp forests, giant black sea bass, and island time just offshore from Los Angeles
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Overview
Catalina Island delivers cold-to-cool water diving with classic giant kelp forests, friendly garibaldi, and seasonal giant black sea bass within a short ferry ride of Southern California. Casino Point Dive Park in Avalon is one of North America’s most famous shore dives, protected as a State Marine Conservation Area with easy stairs, clear water, and small wrecks in a compact footprint. Inland, 100+ kilometers of trails cross Conservancy lands, including the 42 mile Trans Catalina Trail. Non divers get laid back beach clubs, glass bottom boat rides, and mellow coves at Two Harbors, all under a mild Mediterranean style climate.
Catalina is the most accessible of California’s Channel Islands, with ferries from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach reaching Avalon or Two Harbors in about an hour. Once you step off the boat, cars mostly disappear, replaced by golf carts, walking streets, and boat taxis.
Underwater, the island is ringed by giant kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sand flats that drop quickly into deep blue water. Visibility typically sits around 12 m to 18 m, with late summer and fall often bringing much clearer water and occasional 30 meter plus days. Water temperatures range roughly from 14°C in late winter to around 20°C in late summer and early fall.
The waters around Avalon include several State Marine Conservation Areas, notably Lovers Cove and Casino Point, which restrict or ban take of marine life while allowing diving and marine recreation. These protections make the kelp forests unusually fishy, with bold garibaldi, large calico bass, and recovering populations of giant black sea bass that aggregate seasonally along the front side of the island. Additional marine protected areas such as Blue Cavern and Farnsworth Bank cover offshore walls and pinnacles where currents are stronger but life is dense.
Avalon is the main hub, wrapped around a small bay beneath the art deco Catalina Casino. It has the most lodging, restaurants, dive shops, and nightlife, plus easy access to Casino Point and boat tours. Two Harbors, near the island’s isthmus, is smaller and quieter, drawing boaters, campers, and divers chasing Eagle Reef, Bird Rock, and West End kelp forests. Away from both, Conservancy roads and trails connect wild canyons, bison herds, and the Airport in the Sky, giving Catalina a backcountry feel far from mainland freeways.
Highlights
Field notes from guides and contributors on what stands out immediately.
Even if you only dive there once, plan a dawn or late afternoon visit to Casino Point Dive Park. Early light through the kelp is spectacular, and fish are especially active. Non divers can sit on the sea wall, watch bubbles and boats, and enjoy views of the Casino and Avalon Bay.
During summer and early fall, arrange at least one boat trip to Italian Gardens or nearby front side sites to look for giant black sea bass. These fish can exceed 2 meters in length and are typically seen cruising where kelp meets sand between about 12 m and 25 m.
Spend a night or two in Two Harbors to experience Catalina’s quieter side. From here you can access boat dives to Eagle Reef and west end kelp beds, hike to remote coves, or simply relax on the beach watching moored boats swing at sunset.
Whether you hike up from Avalon Canyon or ride the Wildlands Express, the Airport in the Sky offers big views, trail connections, and a fun glimpse of island aviation. It is a classic surface interval outing between dive days.
Reserve a cabana or chaise lounge at Descanso Beach Club to watch the sun set behind the Casino and Avalon Bay with your feet in the sand and a drink in hand.
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