Scuba

What It Feels Like

Catalina is a classic cold water destination where you can dive world class kelp forests between breakfast on the Avalon waterfront and dinner back on the pier. Casino Point Dive Park is a purpose built shore diving area with stairs, benches, and easy access to depths from 5 m to around 30 m, including small wrecks and dense kelp. Boat charters fan out to sites like Bird Rock, Hen Rock, Eagle Reef, and the island’s more exposed backside, where currents and structure attract pelagic fish and purple hydrocoral. Visibility is often 10 m to 18 m, peaking in late summer and fall when water is also warmest.

Signature Sites

Start Here

Bird Rock - Catalina Island
A rocky islet off the isthmus with arches, ledges, and healthy kelp.
Eagle Reef
Boat only reef near the west end that combines big boulders, crevices, and dense kelp.
Hen Rock
A favorite boat site between Avalon and Long Point with boulders, mini walls, and kelp that suits photographers, students, and experienced divers alike.

Advanced

Casino Point, Avalon, Catalina Island
Purpose built shore dive park with concrete stairs, ladders, benches, and easy access to a protected kelp forest.

Planning Playbook

Operator Checklist

Base yourself in Avalon if you want daily shore dives at Casino Point plus easy access to local boats. Catalina Divers Supply and independent operators at the Green Pleasure Pier and Casino area run guided dives, rentals, and charters. Ferry luggage carts make it easier to move heavy gear from boat to lodging. Many charters require at least Advanced Open Water and recent cold water experience for deeper or offshore sites. Always check marine protected area rules, bring a surface marker buoy for any free ascents, and plan around ferry schedules, since last boats back to the mainland are usually early evening.

Conditions Fallback

Base yourself in Avalon if you want daily shore dives at Casino Point plus easy access to local boats. Catalina Divers Supply and independent operators at the Green Pleasure Pier and Casino area run guided dives, rentals, and charters. Ferry luggage carts make it easier to move heavy gear from boat to lodging. Many charters require at least Advanced Open Water and recent cold water experience for deeper or offshore sites. Always check marine protected area rules, bring a surface marker buoy for any free ascents, and plan around ferry schedules, since last boats back to the mainland are usually early evening.

Avoid