Santa Catalina Island

Catalina has comparatively great visibility year round.  When the visibility on the mainland drops down to nothing you are guaranteed that no matter how bad the conditions are at home, there is some place you can dive on this island. In fact diving is good all around the island, however at this time we are working very hard to get all of our dive locations up so to start off with we will only be covering locations close to Avalon and Twin Harbors.  The diving locations on Avalon, for now anyways are all accessible from Casino Point.  The surrounding dive locations found adjacent to Two Harbors can be accessed on all of the dive boats located in the San Pedro landing, or accommodations can be made to dive these and other locations when staying in Two Harbors. 

 Diving conditions on Catalina:  Believe it or not Catalina Island is known around the world as an incredible dive destination location.  Conditions are great year round with an average visibility rarely dipping below 15 feet.  The best times to dive are during the warm and dry summer months when visibility can go be greater than 60 feet and water temperatures in the many Catalina coves reach between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.  However summertime is not the only time to dive Catalina.  In fact, for the best deals, less crowding, but all of the charm and beauty of Catalina we highly recommend visiting during the off season (November 1st - April 30th).  Although the water temperatures are cooler, between 55 and 68 degrees, the diving is if anything even more spectacular!  

 Getting to and lodging on Catalina: 

In this case you can take the Catalina Express over from any of their three ports.  To make a reservation at the Catalina Express dial 1.800.481.3470 and follow the prompt.  If you plan on visiting in the summer I highly recommend making your boat and if applicable your room reservations one to two months in advance to save your self the anxiety of planning a great diving trip and not being able to even get to the island!  The Catalina Express goes out to both Avalon and Twin Harbors year round!  The cost for a round trip ticket is $42.00 for adults, children travel at a discounted rate.   

 Diving West End:  The West end of Catalina is home to the more spectacular diving on Catalina and much more rustic accommodations.  While the east end of the island is somewhat dominated by the one square mile city of Avalon, Two Harbors the "major city" on the West End barely stands out from its surroundings.  The West End is home to the USC Wrigely Marine Institute and the USC Hyperbaric Chamber which serves the entire island and much of the surrounding area for divers in distress.  The West End is also home to a campground which is accessible from Two Harbors.  The West End also has a dive shop, Catalina West End Dive Center Cove,  which operates off of the Two Harbors Pier.  Catalina West End Dive Center is a full service dive shop with scuba and kayak rentals, a scuba retailor, and operates a dive boat available for snorkeling and scuba charters.  To contact Catalina West End Dive Center dial 1.310.510.4272.

 One Last Note:  If you have any additional information or tips on diving Casino Point please post your information or e-mail it to myself at info@calcoastdivers.com.  Thank you for your input!