SCUBA SAN FRANCISCO
California Scuba Diving Information
Pics show Casino Point at Avalon with stair entry to Catalina Dive Park and two happy divers.
SANTA CATALINA ISLAND
(BEACH & BOAT DIVES)
SKILL LEVEL: NOVICE TO EXPERT
Santa Catalina Island is one of the Southern islands in the Channel Island group. It lies 26 miles off the coast of San Pedro / Long Beach and is readily accessible by the CATALINA EXPRESS ferry system. If you are driving from the San Francisco Bay Area drive to either the Long Beach or San Pedro ferry terminal. The city of AVALON is the most popular destination because of its many hotels, restaurants, shops, and markets - the Catalina Express has a daily service schedule to Avalon. Be sure to make reservations before you show up at the ferry terminal - for example on my last trip the San Pedro ferry terminal had no service to Avalon on Thursday, so we used the Long Beach ferry terminal instead.
Pic on left is a not so common green abalone, garibaldi in the middle, and a school of sardines on the right.
The hotels in Avalon are very varied in their pricing and amenities. For the economy minded diver the Hotel Atwater seems to be popular, but be aware that the walls are paper thin and the street noise from the two local bars can be intense. For a good nights sleep I prefer paying a little more and staying at one of the other numerous hotels away from the noisy hustle and bustle. A good information source for the Catalina hotels located in Avalon is the CATALINA ISLAND INFORMATION GUIDE.
Pic on left is a California moray eel, large calico bass in the middle, and a local bug on the right.
If you haven't been Scuba diving in a while the Catalina Dive Park is located at the end of town right in front of the Casino, this area is also referred to as Casino Point. The Casino is a landmark in Avalon and is world famous with a lot of history. This dive is good for novice and expert alike. This area is full of sea life and is a very convenient entry and exit using the stairs and railing leading to the water. Tanks and equipment are usually available for rental right there near the parking area at the Casino.
Pic on the left is a Kellet's Whelk, middle is a Sheep Crab, and right pic is a Giant Spined Star.
There are currently three full service dive shops in Avalon. I have listed them in alphabetical order:
All of these shops offer packages including ferry boat to and from Catalina, hotel accomodations, and Scuba dives.
DIVE CATALINA is the newest shop on the island and will have their dive boat operational by September 2009. The owner is Ron Moore and he has been diving on Catalina Island since the early 70's, and he has been a Catalina resident since 1991. Ron is a NAUI Course Director and has been actively teaching since 1973. The location of DIVE CATALINA is very convenient as it is only a few steps from the ferry terminal.
DIVERS SUPPLY has their dive shop located on the "Green Pier" at about the middle of town. They also have a mobile "dive shop" for the convenience of beach divers at Casino Point. If you haven't brought any dive equipment with you it is all available right there at Casino Point for rental. Their dive boat is called the Scuba Cat, and it is available for charters. Reservations recommended as they require a minimum to run a trip.
SCUBA LUV is a family run business that has been in Avalon since 1984. Bob and Tina Kennedy are the owners and have a full service dive shop about a half block off the beach. Their dive boat is the "King Neptune" and every time I have been on their boat it is for three tank dives.
Here is our group having breakfast at the Pancake Cottage in Avalon - a great restaurant run by great folks!
The decision to dive (or not) is your responsibility. Keep diving activities within your training and comfort level.
If you feel more training or experience is needed before attempting a dive, don't dive.
Know personal limits, skill levels, and abilities of yourself and your dive buddy.
Dive Safely and Dive Often!
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, contact me