10 FAQs About Getting Your PADI Certification on Catalina Island

Catalina is known for many things—It’s an island getaway, a romantic place for couples, a family friendly vacation spot, and a bastion of preserved nature and wildlife. If you have only explored on land on Catalina Island, then you’re missing much of what this paradise has to offer. Scuba diving around Catalina means seeing glowing orange garibaldi, swimming through marine protected areas, and discovering a whole new world under water. Just a short ferry (or helicopter) ride from the mainland, the waters around Catalina Island are decidedly one of the premier dive spots in Southern California. Are you looking to get your PADI Certification? Catalina is a great place to do it! And Catalina Divers Supply offers everything that you need for scuba divers of all levels.  Read on to discover the answers to 10 FAQs about getting your PADI Certification on Catalina Island.

1.)   Can I dive right into the water to start getting certified? Not yet! You may need to complete some eLearning as part of the certification process. Be sure to plan ahead and know which courses you must complete for PADI. Reach out to Catalina Divers Supply with questions on course requirements.

2.)   Do we use a pool for PADI classes?  Unlike so many other dive programs that start and end with divers in a swimming pool, all of the dive classes with Catalina Divers Supply provide you with ocean experience in the beautiful, clear waters around the island.

3.)   I’m interested in PADI Open Water diving. What do I need to do? For this course, you must be at least 10 years old and be able to swim comfortably in deep water. The Catalina Divers Supply course provides you with all your gear. You can go with 2 options for this course: eLearning and dives or a referral program. Once eLearning is done, you’ll need to commit to three days for certification.

4.)   How much time should I book for my stay on Catalina? That’s up to you, but check out how many days your specific dive program requires. PADI courses are typically offered with 3-day commitments, but sometimes you can work out a 2-day referral course if you’ve done academic and pool sessions beforehand. Confirm with the pros at Catalina Divers Supply regarding your course duration. Plan to spend at least 3 days on the island; you may want to book some extra time to enjoy more diving! 

5.)   How cold is the water? The waters around Catalina are considered cold water diving. Even during warmer summer months, the temps hang around the mid-60s to low 70s. In the winter, the water can be in the upper 50s. A 7mm wetsuit is recommended along with hood, gloves, and boots. Catalina Divers Supply can help with all of your gear needs. 

6.)   I want to do the PADI Advanced Open Water course. How can I do it? This amazing course builds on what you’ve learned and introduces you to new ways to enjoy scuba diving. It will help increase your skills and confidence in the water. You’ll need an Open Water certification as well as a 2-day course that includes eLearning. The minimum age is 15, or 12 for a junior advanced open water diver. This course will have you do 5 dives.

7.)   How do I become a rescue diver? Scuba diving offers an amazing way to rise to challenges. Many divers opt to take the PADI Rescue Diver course at Catalina Divers Supply in order to learn self-rescue and emergency management. You must be advanced open water certified for this course, and CPR and first aid training is required as well. ELearning must be done in advance of this 2-day course.

8.)   What if I want to become a Master Diver? You can do this with Catalina Divers Supply! Join the very best divers in recreational scuba diving, and take the Master Scuba Diver course. Fewer than 2% of divers ever reach this rating—why not you? The prereqs for this course include Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver certifications. You need to have logged at least 50 dives, including PADI specialty diver certifications. There’s an eLearning component, and this 3-day course includes 6 dives. Catalina is the perfect place to do it; the experts at Catalina Divers Supply can help.

9.)   How can I book in advance? You can always call Catalina Divers Supply at 310-510-0330 with questions about booking your dives. Or, check out our website with courses and links. You’ll want to book ahead of time for PADI courses, especially in the busy summer months. Plan for your transport to the island and accommodations as well.

10.)  What other courses are offered for PADI certification? You can learn to become a Dive Master with Catalina Divers Supply—a certification for only elite scuba divers. We also offer a number of specialty courses including: diver propulsion, dry suit diver, deep diver, night diver, boat diver, and more!

Come and see Catalina’s gorgeous underwater world and kelp gardens as you get PADI certified with Catalina Divers Supply. Give us a call at 310-510-0330, or visit the rest of our website to learn more.