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7 FAQs About Diving Catalina's Kelp Forests
The famed kelp forests that surround Catalina Island have been described as cathedral-like, and there are plenty of good reasons for that holy comparison. When you snorkel, swim, or scuba dive through stalks of giant kelp, the sun shines shafts of light through to the underwater world, making it look like a church, surrounded by gorgeous golden brown stained glass. In the same way that stone pillars in a church reach up to a ceiling, giant kelp plants grow upward from their rocky reef roots. In the Casino Dive Park especially, the kelp forest is a lot like a sanctuary: peaceful, calm, and still.
It is so important to be reverent in such wondrous places as Catalina’s kelp forests; they’re home to some of the most biodiverse environments in all of California. Are you looking to learn more about underwater adventures around Catalina Island? Catalina Divers Supply can help you get into the water to see Catalina’s kelp forests up close. Read on to learn 7 FAQs (and answers) about diving Catalina’s kelp forests.
What is the species of kelp that creates the forests around Catalina? The dominant species that is plentiful around the island is Giant Kelp, also known as Macrocystis pyrifera. It is a brown alga that grows remarkably fast, forming a dense marine canopy. When conditions are just right, giant kelp can grow as much as two feet per day. It has holdfasts that act like roots, anchoring it to reefs, stretching up to the surface of the water. Its gas-filled bulbs help to float the plant up towards the sunlight. Giant kelp is so special to this particular temperate coastal location around Catalina as it helps support a diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystem.
What kinds of wildlife can I expect to see in the kelp forests? The short answer is: so, so many kinds. The official answer is: there have been more than 5000 different documented species of sea life found in the Catalina kelp forests. Some of the creatures in that long list include: spiny lobsters, sea stars, abalone, urchins, octopus, eels, bass, garibaldi, seals, sea lions, and even an occasional migrating sea turtle. There’s such a large concentration of underwater creatures at Casino Point, you’ll likely see several dozen on one scuba or snorkel trip.
Should I be worried about sharks? Worried? No. Intrigued? Yes. Catalina sits in the Pacific, and great whites pass through open Pacific waters; however encounters with great whites in kelp beds near the shore are very rare. There are a few other species of sharks that tend to call kelp forest home; they include the decidedly less intimidating leopard sharks and horn sharks. Look for the cool camouflage colorings of the leopard sharks swimming along the sandy floor of kelp forests. Horn sharks like to make their way along reefs; you’ll know them by the polka dot pattern on their skin and the spine in front of their dorsal fin.
Are Catalina’s kelp forests protected? Absolutely. Notably, the Casino Point Dive Park is a designated Marine Protected Area. While you may snorkel or scuba dive there, you cannot take, disturb, or harvest any of the local marine life from there; this includes the kelp. You’ll need to maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid damaging kelp holdfasts. If you’ve got the right dive equipment–like rentals from Catalina Divers Supply–it should be easy to scuba safely through the kelp forests.
What happens if I get tangled in kelp while diving? This is a great question and a very real concern, but it's much more rare than you might think. Sometimes kelp fronds can get wrapped around fins or dive gear. It is very important that you don’t thrash or panic. Learn how to snap kelp by taking an individual stem and folding it over itself. Snap it cleanly with minimal force. You can also aim to execute a backwards roll to slide out of kelp cleanly. The experts at Catalina Divers Supply can help you with kelp tangles and other scuba safety concerns.
When is the best time to dive the Catalina kelp forests? Late summer through fall is a favorite time for divers in Catalina. Water temps are at their highest, and visibility can range from 40 to 80 feet. Calmer waters can make access to the dive park easier as well. In the winter, the waters are cooler, but the kelp forest is especially full with thick plant life and lots of migrating marine life. Summer is, of course, a popular time for diving around the island, but it can be a bit more crowded.
photo by Explorers Photography Are there guided dives to see Catalina’s kelp forests? Yes! Make the most of your trip to Catalina by booking a dive adventure with Catalina Divers Supply. Our full service dive shop sits right next to the Casino Point Dive Park, and there’s a secondary location at the Green Pier in Avalon. First time divers can explore kelp forests with expert instructors on a Discover Scuba dive. Divers of any level can choose to do a guided dive. All equipment is provided with these excursions. Feeling even more adventurous? Try a boat dive, or take a dive class with Catalina Divers Supply.
Ready to dive into the kelp forest? Take a look at our website to see all the scuba adventure options that Catalina Divers Supply offers.
