How to Dive Catalina Island: A Beginner’s Guide

Perhaps you’ve been to Catalina before, and you’ve strolled the quaint streets of Avalon, sunned on its shores, and dined in the local eateries. And maybe there was something missing from your trip: underwater adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Catalina Island, adding scuba diving adventures to your island itinerary can be life-changing. So many people spend time relaxing on the beaches and enjoying happy hours, but there is truly so much more to explore beneath the surface throughout the crystal clear waters around Catalina. Most of the island’s coves are home to thriving kelp forests, teeming with interesting sea life.

The island is a great place for divers of all skills levels, and it’s a memorable destination to begin your scuba diving journey. Combine your vacation with some scuba certification, and learn to dive around one of the most beautiful islands on earth. If you want to make the most of your first-time diving experience, the experts at Catalina Divers Supply can help you get started. Read on to learn more about how to dive Catalina Island: A Beginner’s Guide.

Photo courtesy Explorers Photography

Plan for your visit. Diving happens all year round around Catalina. While summer water temps tend to be a bit warmer, winter water tends to have more visibility. No matter what time of year you decide to book your dive trip, be sure to arrange for transportation—by ferry or helicopter—to the island, and set up accommodations for your stay.

Consider equipment rental. Part of being the premier dive shop on the island comes with the responsibility to provide customers with all the right gear for their dives. Catalina Divers Supply can set you up with the things you need for a successful first dive. Rentals for scuba gear can be for the day or for 24 hours, depending on your needs. Many courses come with gear rental, so be sure to communicate with us to learn about what you may need.

Book a course.  Catalina Divers Supply offers Discover SCUBA, a course designed just for first-time divers. The team at Catalina Divers Supply offers help from skilled instructors who can help you to have a safe and fun introduction to scuba diving. An instructor will accompany you, guiding you through the renowned kelp forests of Catalina and seeing tons of wondrous underwater creatures. These beginner dives are available every day at 8am, 11am, and 2pm, and they last about 2.5 to 3 hours. They depart from the shore at the Casino Dive Park.

Be prepared. The Discover SCUBA course is perfect for beginners because: No experience is necessary. However, you should know that you must be able to swim and be comfortable moving through deep water. Prepare for this by knowing that you should be confident in water over your head. You should also be able to float or tread water for at least a minute, and be able to swim at least 25 yards.

Get familiar with the gear. For Discover SCUBA, all necessary equipment is provided, and you’ll get to know all about the basics of scuba diving as well as how to use the equipment. Some basic scuba diving equipment includes: a wetsuit, a scuba tank, a buoyancy control device, a regulator, a dive computer, a mask, a snorkel, and fins. For colder water temperatures, you may also need gloves and a hood. Our dive shop has rash guards, leggings, and hooded vests if you’re looking to layer up. Do be sure to bring your own bathing suit and towel.

Your first time is in an iconic setting. The Casino Dive Park is a unique spot for first time divers. Typically, scuba diving courses have you take your first breaths in a pool—but if you’re diving around Catalina, you’ll have the Casino building as your background and the Pacific ocean as your dive spot. Not only are there plenty of beautiful sea life habitats below the surface, there’s beauty all around you on the island.

Let the experts be your guide. The pros at Catalina Divers Supply will lead you through things like dive safety checks, practicing holding your position in the water with buoyancy, performing newly learned dive skills, and exploring the dive site.

Photo courtesy Explorers Photography

Be on the lookout. You’re likely to see some colorful characters on your dive. If you’ve never explored underwater around Catalina, know that you may spot the gorgeous California state marine fish: bright orange garibaldi. Calico bass also swim around the reefs, kelp, and rock beds. There’s the big black sea bass, sheepshead, and even eels, sea stars, anemones, and more.

You’ll want to remember this. Are you interested in having your first scuba adventure documented? Members of the Catalina Divers Supply team can be hired to take underwater photos during your dive.

Ready to book your first dive? Reach out to us at Catalina Divers Supply with questions. Book your scuba classes online, or give us a call at 310-510-0330.