THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Float through Catalina’s famous kelp forest at Casino Point and meet garibaldi, kelp bass, bat rays, and possibly a giant black sea bass—all from shore. This two-hour guided snorkel is a short, educational marine encounter perfect for families and curious naturalists visiting Avalon.
Float through Catalina’s famous kelp forest at Casino Point and meet garibaldi, kelp bass, bat rays, and possibly a giant black sea bass—all from shore. This two-hour guided snorkel is a short, educational marine encounter perfect for families and curious naturalists visiting Avalon.
Book with Catalina Divers Supply
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Catalina Divers Supply · Avalon, California
On the southern edge of Santa Catalina Island sits Casino Point Underwater Park, just off Avalon, California, where Guided Snorkeling with Catalina Divers Supply offers two hours of close-up marine theater. The kelp forest here—giant Macrocystis fronds anchored to rocky reefs—drops into blue water and frames schools of garibaldi, blacksmiths, and kelp bass. A knowledgeable Divemaster leads shore-entry swims through bands of kelp, pointing out bat rays, taloned sea stars, and the occasional 200–400 pound giant black sea bass that haunts deeper ledges. This is a shore-based experience; no boat is required. Launching from Casino Point means less time traveling and more time watching the underwater park that was designed in 1962 and formally established in 1965. Catalina Divers Supply’s founders, Carl & Maggie Koehler, were instrumental in shaping the preserve. On a clear day visibility can reach 80–100 feet; in rougher conditions expect around 40 feet. The result is a shallow, accessible marine classroom where swimmers eight and older can meet California’s coastal life. What makes this snorkel special is how immediate the encounter feels. Dense kelp creates rooms and corridors beneath the surface, and rocky relief and kelp hold species that differ markedly from adjacent mainland beaches. The site’s protection as a park concentrates life: bright orange garibaldi patrol the kelp’s edges, schools of blacksmith flash silver, and kelp bass prowl shadowed ledges. Guides share natural history and safety skills, so the outing works equally well for curious families and experienced snorkelers wanting a focused, biological tour. Practical details are straightforward: bring a swimsuit and towel, be comfortable in deep water, and plan for about two hours. Because entry is from shore, low coastal winds and calm seas make the best conditions; ocean swell can push kelp and reduce visibility. The guided format and local knowledge dramatically increase the odds of seeing rare species, especially during spring and early summer when juvenile fish fill the shallows. Beyond the water, Avalon’s compact harbor town offers restaurants, gear shops, and short hikes along the island’s slopes—perfect for pairing with a snorkel trip. For travelers seeking a concentrated taste of Southern California’s kelp forest ecology without a boat, Guided Snorkeling at Casino Point combines accessibility, rich marine life, and decades of local stewardship into an easy, unforgettable introduction to Catalina’s underwater world. Participants must be able to swim and the trip has a minimum age of eight, making it an accessible family outing for confident young swimmers. Catalina Divers Supply typically provides masks and fins for rent; check their shop in Avalon before heading to the point. After snorkel, stroll the waterfront, visit the conservation displays at the Casino, or tuck into a fish taco recounting underwater sightings with a guide.
Minimum age is eight; participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water.
No — this experience is shore-entry from Casino Point Underwater Park, so no boat is required.
Masks and fins are commonly available for rent from Catalina Divers Supply or shops in Avalon; bring your own if you prefer.
Visibility ranges widely: rough days around 40 feet, clear days can reach 80–100 feet depending on swell and wind.
Participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in deep water; inexperienced snorkelers should book with a guide and disclose comfort levels in advance.
Avalon has public facilities and gear shops on the waterfront; plan to change and gear up in town before walking to Casino Point.
Catalina Divers Supply is a full-service dive center located in Avalon, California, serving visitors and local divers on Santa Catalina Island. The operation offers a broad range of scuba and snorkeling experiences, from the beginner Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program to advanced PADI specialty courses such as Night Diver, Deep Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Underwater Digital Photographer. The business runs boat dives on the Scuba Cat, including a popular two-tank unguided Scuba Cat Boat Dives option that provides access to Catalina's reefs with gear rinse and hot showers. Guided scuba dive options focus on Casino Point Park and the island's vibrant kelp forests, where divers can encounter a diverse marine community. Guided snorkeling trips require no boat and let participants swim among garibaldi, bat rays, and giant sea bass in a protected marine preserve. Equipment needs are met through Individual Scuba Gear Rentals offered a la carte—masks, fins, wetsuits, and more are available to rent or purchase. Wildlife-focused outings include two-hour Dolphin & Whale Watching Boat Trips to observe dolphins, whales, seals, and seabirds along Catalina's coastline. Training programs follow PADI course structures and include multi-day formats for specialties that require multiple dives. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Catalina Divers Supply presents clear trip descriptions, accessible rentals, and a range of guided and unguided options suited to beginners through advanced divers. These verifiable services and course offerings make it straightforward for visitors to plan safe, well-supported dives and marine wildlife excursions in Avalon. Online booking and local pickup available.
Book with Catalina Divers Supply