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Dive beneath Avalon’s harbor into Casino Point’s towering kelp and meet 800+ species on a two-hour guided dive with Catalina Divers Supply. Perfect for certified divers seeking a focused, wildlife-rich experience with a local divemaster.
Dive beneath Avalon’s harbor into Casino Point’s towering kelp and meet 800+ species on a two-hour guided dive with Catalina Divers Supply. Perfect for certified divers seeking a focused, wildlife-rich experience with a local divemaster.
Book with Catalina Divers Supply
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Catalina Divers Supply · Avalon, California
Casino Point Underwater Park sits off Avalon on Catalina Island, California, and the Guided Scuba Dive offered by Catalina Divers Supply delivers two hours inside one of Southern California’s richest nearshore ecosystems. The entry is at Catalina Divers Supply on Avalon’s shore; from there a seasoned divemaster guides certified divers through towering Macrocystis kelp, sculpted rocky ledges and walls where more than 800 species make their home. This guided dive is ideal for solo certified divers who want orientation, and for those returning after a gap—the shop recommends a private refresher or a Reactivate course for divers inactive several years. Expect low boat time and easy shore or short-boat access into the Casino Point Park, a protected marine area with clear water, good visibility and gentle currents on most days. The instructor-led format focuses on species ID, safe navigation through kelp, and buoyancy skills among Garibaldi, kelp bass, rockfish, and an occasional hornshark or bat ray. What makes this site distinctive is the dense kelp canopy—giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) drapes column-like stipes that create vertical corridors for fish and invertebrates—and the blocky volcanic and metamorphic rock outcrops carved by wave action. That structure concentrates life: colorful nudibranchs, encrusting sponges and dense schools of forage fish. Casino Point also has historical ties to Avalon’s shoreline development; the nearby Catalina Casino, a 1929 landmark, looms above the harbor and signals how long humans have made this bay a gathering place. Practical notes: bring proof of certification, swimsuit and towel—Catalina Divers Supply can outfit you with all rental gear. If it’s been over two years since your last dive, opt for the suggested refresher; if over three years, consider the Reactivate course. Water temperatures range seasonally; a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit options are sensible in cooler months. The guided format makes this trip accessible to intermediate divers, while still rewarding for advanced photographers and marine-life enthusiasts. Why book it when visiting Avalon? Casino Point is one of the best shore-access dive parks in Southern California: compact, protected and biologically vibrant. A two-hour guided dive maximizes underwater time while minimizing logistics, and a local shop like Catalina Divers Supply offers regional expertise that deepens the experience—identifying species, pointing out microhabitats and keeping safety first. For anyone visiting Avalon who wants an efficient, wildlife-rich scuba experience, this guided dive is a direct route into Catalina’s kelp forest. Bookings are available through the Catalyst referral link provided by the outfitter; small groups ensure personalized attention, and beginners should inquire about a try-dive or discover-scuba option if they lack certification. Allow extra time to walk Avalon’s waterfront before or after your dive to absorb island light, snack on local seafood, and swap sightings with your divemaster. Cheers.
Yes—proof of open water certification (C-card) is required for the guided scuba dive; contact the shop about try-dive options for non-certified guests.
Age requirements are set by certification standards; inquire with Catalina Divers Supply for junior diver policies and supervised programs.
Bring your certification card, dive log (if available), swimsuit, towel and a photo ID; the shop supplies rental gear on request.
Visibility commonly ranges from 15–40 feet depending on season; water temperatures vary from the upper 50s°F in winter to mid-60s°F in summer.
Yes—divers may bring some or all personal gear; rentals are available through Catalina Divers Supply if you want to travel light.
Absolutely—the kelp forest and rocky reef offer wide-angle and macro opportunities; ask guides about low-impact shooting and lighting.
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
