Activities · Destination Guide
Kelp forests, giant black sea bass, and island time just offshore from Los Angeles
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 10 sources
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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.
A rocky islet off the isthmus with arches, ledges, and healthy kelp.
Boat only reef near the west end that combines big boulders, crevices, and dense kelp.
A favorite boat site between Avalon and Long Point with boulders, mini walls, and kelp that suits photographers, students, and experienced divers alike.
Casino Point, Avalon, Catalina Island
Purpose built shore dive park with concrete stairs, ladders, benches, and easy access to a protected kelp forest.
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