Santa Catalina Island, most commonly known as Catalina Island is one of the most popular diving spots in Southern California. It is part of the so-called Channel Islands, which are eight islands off the coast of Southern California (United States). It is not to be confused with Catalina Islands chain that is in Costa Rica, nor with Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic.
Among the Channel Islands, Catalina has the largest share of marine protected areas, creating the perfect opportunity for marine wildlife to flourish. Catalina Island’s waters are world renown for the abundance of large kelp forests, a favourite among underwater photographers, as well as abundant marine life.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll uncover Catalina Island’s underwater secrets and practical tips, including how to get there, the best time to visit for a scuba trip, type of marine life you may encounter, as well as the top dive sites and best dive operators.
I have last visited Catalina in June 2023 and found the Island the perfect diving destination either for a single day trip or for longer stays.
How do I Get to Catalina Island?
Reaching Catalina Island is quick and easy. There are two major express boat operators servicing both Avalon and Two Harbors in approximately 1 hour from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
Catalina Express offers round trips from San Pedro Harbor to Two Harbors and from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point to Avalon. Round-trip fares (including wharfage fee and tax) start from $84 for Adults and may reach up to $160 in case you opt for the Commodore Lounge Upgrade.
Catalina Flyer offers round trips form New Port Beach to Avalon (one way trip is about 75minutes, slightly longer than Catalina Express) with round trips starting at $78.
Both companies have quite a strict luggage policy which I highly recommend you check out if you are planning to travel with your scuba equipment.
In particular, Catalina Express allows two pieces of luggage not exceeding 50lbs. each. All baggage must be within the dimensions of 23”x23”x37” and you are allowed to carry only one scuba tank per diver or one rebreather per diver. Medium and large Stanley or Husky boxes are allowed, but they will need to remain within the 50lbs. limit. Catalina flyer has somewhat less prescriptive luggage requirements and they do not explicitly provide guidance for carrying dive gear.
I only have experience with Catalina Express and would recommend you contact Catalina Flyer for additional info if you are planning to travel with them and carry your own scuba gear.
If you are planning to scuba dive in Catalina Island without actually visiting it or sleeping there, there are several dive shops in Los Angeles offering daily scuba tours. More on this later on in the post.
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Catalina Island
Catalina Island offers year-round Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures averaging 75 degrees and temperatures in the winter months averaging 65 degrees. Mediterranean climate also means that Catalina boasts warm sunny days (on average 267 per year) and cooler evening breezes. These weather conditions make Catalina Island a perfect diving destination throughout the year.
Water temperatures also remain relatively warm, with a minimum of 55°F in January and a Maximum of 75°F in August and September. This means that in the summer months you can easily scuba dive in Catalina Island with a 5mm or 7 mm wetsuit. For all other months, unless you don’t mind having short dives, I would definitely recommend a dry suit and cold water equiment. In my last visit to Catalina in June 2023 I have used exclusively a dry suit for higher comfort.
But weather is not the only factor influencing our travel choices. If you don’t like crowds and like to have beaches and dive sites to your own, then the best time to visit Catalina is from December to May. In particular the spring season (March to May) is optimal for scuba diving as both water and air temperatures are on the rise.
If instead you prefer to scuba dive in Catalina when water visibility is at its peak, you should plan your trip between July and December with visibility peaking (50-60ft) in late summer and autumn (from late September to November).
Speaking of dive sites and visibility, let’s take a look at what Catalina Island has to offer.
Marine Life in Catalina Island
The Kelp Forest Wonders
Catalina Island’s kelp forests are a mesmerizing world of vibrant colors and unique creatures. These forests provide refuge and sustenance to a variety of marine species. Some of the inhabitabts that love hiding in Catalina’s underwater forests include:
- Giant Sea Bass: Best spotted in the summer, these gentle giants gracefully glide through the kelp forests, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
- Garibaldi: Year-round residents, Catalina’s friendly Garibaldi, known for their vibrant orange color, are always a treat to encounter. However, their populations are most active during the spring and summer.
- Leopard Sharks: Summer is the prime season for seeing these mesmerizing, spotted sharks as they gather in large numbers around the island.
- Angel Sharks: Pacific angel shark are year round residents in Catalina Island, and are usually found lying partially buried sandy bottoms or in sand channels between rocky reefs during the day. For higher chances of spotting them I suggest trying out some night dives as Angel Sharks are most active during night time.
- Bat Rays: Often Spotted in the Casino DIve Park, bat rays are regular residents in CAtalina Island.
Dolphins and Whales in Catalina’s Waters
Catalina Island’s waters are also a highway for marine mammals, offering divers the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The island is a haven for dolphin and whale enthusiasts, with several species making seasonal appearances.
- Common Dolphins: Catalina’s waters are frequently graced by common dolphins. They can be spotted year-round, but their playful displays are most common in the spring and summer.
- Orcas: Summer and fall provide the best opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring orcas as they traverse the seas around Catalina.
- Blue Whales: The world’s largest creatures, blue whales, visit the waters near Catalina Island during the summer months. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness these gentle giants up close.
- Humpback Whales: With a bit of luck you can spot HUmpbacks throughout the year, with higher chances between April and June.
Exquisite Underwater Gardens
Catalina’s rocky reefs and sandy bottoms host a variety of marine life. The island’s waters are home to several remarkable species, offering a chance to witness unique underwater wonders.
- Giant Black Sea Bass: Spring and early summer are the ideal seasons to spot these colossal, prehistoric-looking fish as they gather for spawning.
- Kelp bass: Also known as Calico bass, can be spotted year-round in the waters around Catalina Island. These fish are commonly found in the kelp forests and rocky reefs that grace the island’s coastal areas. While they are present throughout the year, you may have particularly good opportunities to spot them during the warmer months, such as spring and summer when they tend to be more active and visible.
- Horn Sharks: These distinctive, nocturnal sharks are best observed in the summer, especially during night dives when they actively hunt for prey.
- Moray Eels: Catalina’s waters are home to several moray eel species. These elusive creatures can be observed throughout the year, but they are more active during the warmer months.
Colorful Nudibranchs and Hidden Critters
For those with a keen eye, Catalina’s underwater world offers a chance to spot tiny and brilliantly colored creatures, including nudibranchs and other hidden critters.
- Nudibranchs: These captivating sea slugs are a year-round attraction, but their numbers peak in the spring and summer when many species lay their vibrant egg masses.
- Octopuses: If you’re lucky, you might encounter these clever cephalopods throughout the year, but their activity increases in the spring as they hunt for prey.
- Seahorses: Catalina Island hosts a healthy population of seahorses. The best time to see these tiny, mystical creatures is in the summer when they are most active.
- Spiny Lobster: Prime season for spotting spiny lobsters in Catalina Island is during the California Spiny Lobster Recreational Season, which typically runs from the beginning of October to the first Wednesday in March.
- Hermit Crab: Can be spotted throughout the year, with higher chances during night dives or night snorkeling.
Top 20 Dive Sites in Catalina Island
In the following list, you’ll find the 20 best dive sites in Catalina Island. These are almost all boat dives, and If you are visiting the Island on a day trip I recommend checking out Casino Point Dive Park and Johnson’s Rock Pinnacles (advanced divers only). They are two of the most popular dive sites on Catalina. If you are on a one day visit and would like to get a glimpse of almost everything Catalina Island has to offer in terms of diving (including giant kelp forests), then Casino Point Dive Park is the place to go.
If you are spending more than one day on Catalina, I suggest you plan your dives with your dive shop asking them to visit as much of the below as possible. One of the beauties of Catalina island is that each dive site is unique and offers an unforgettable experience.
- Casino Point Dive Park: A popular site with excellent visibility, underwater kelp forests, and the famous Casino Building. Casino Point Dive Park has both shore and boat dive sites.
- Descanso Beach: Known for its clear water and abundance of marine life, including kelp forests and rocky reefs.
- Ship Rock: A pinnacle dive site with steep walls and an opportunity to see larger pelagic species.
- Bird Rock: Famous for the diverse marine life, including kelp forests, sea lions, and colorful fish.
- Farnsworth Bank: A challenging site for advanced divers with strong currents, but it offers the chance to see large pelagic species and beautiful coral formations.
- Toyon Bay: Known for its easy shore access and a variety of marine life, including Garibaldi, sheephead, and more.
- Blue Cavern Point: Home to a large underwater cavern and a variety of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to larger fish.
- Isthmus Reef: A great spot for drift diving with strong currents and an opportunity to see pelagic species and reef fish.
- Shark Harbor: Offers the chance to see horn sharks and other smaller species in the sandy bottom.
- Hen Rock: A seamount with an abundance of marine life, including schooling fish and colorful invertebrates.
- Italian Gardens: A beautiful dive site with rocky reefs and plenty of marine life, including lobsters and octopuses.
- Empire Landing: Known for its underwater arch and a variety of marine life, from colorful reef fish to larger species.
- Goat Harbor: Offers excellent visibility and the chance to see sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other benthic creatures.
- Sea Fan Grotto: Named for its stunning gorgonian sea fans, this site also features an abundance of marine life.
- Rippers Cove: A great spot for drift diving and the possibility of seeing larger pelagic species.
- Little Farnsworth: A shallower version of Farnsworth Bank, suitable for intermediate divers.
- Big Geiger: A challenging site with occasional strong currents, but it rewards experienced divers with diverse marine life and stunning underwater terrain.
- Yellowtail Point: Named for the chance to see schools of yellowtail fish, this site also offers beautiful kelp forests.
- Whites Landing: Suitable for divers of all levels, with easy entry and a variety of marine life to explore.
- Isthmus Wall: A wall dive site with steep drop-offs and the chance to see larger pelagic species and reef inhabitants.
Where To Stay On Catalina Island
From my experience, I have not seen dive resorts in Catalina. There are however several specialized dive shops organizing either boat trips or shore dives. They cater for scuba divers of all experience levels from total beginners to technical divers, and are located either in Avalon or in Two Harbors.
If you are planning to stay in Avalon, I recommend choosing an accommodation that is within walking distance from either Catalina Divers Supply, Dive Catalina or Catalina Scuba. Note that most dives in Avalon start and end from Casino Dive Point.
If you are not planning to use your own car or public transport, I would recommend one of the following hotels. They are all walking distance from Casino Dive Point and close to Avalon’s city center.
- Hotel Metropole: Nestled on the pristine shores of Catalina Island, Hotel Metropole beckons with timeless charm and coastal elegance. This seaside sanctuary offers breathtaking ocean vistas, luxury amenities, and a serene escape from the ordinary. With a rich history and modern comforts, it’s the perfect haven for those seeking a tranquil island retreat.
- Bellanca Hotel: With its charming architecture and breathtaking ocean views, this hidden gem captures the essence of relaxation and luxury.
- Hotel Atwater: With its inviting ambiance, scenic views, and impeccable hospitality, it’s the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and adventure in a hidden island paradise.
If you are planning to stay in Two Harbors, I would recommend one of the following accommodations. The city is relatively small and accommodation here totally depends on your own preferences.
- Banning House Lodge: Banning House Lodge is a hidden gem. With panoramic ocean views, it offers a serene escape from the everyday. Its charming, vintage architecture and lush gardens create a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, inviting you to savor the island’s beauty and rich history.
- Villa Santa Cruz: Nestled on Catalina Island’s pristine shores, Villa Santa Cruz is an exquisite coastal haven. With breathtaking ocean views, this hidden gem offers serenity and luxury in a lush tropical setting. Immerse yourself in the charm of this seaside villa, where relaxation and adventure seamlessly blend, creating unforgettable memories in paradise.
When it comes to dive shops in Two Harbors, I recommend checking out the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center. They offer scuba gear rentals , air fills and guided excursions. Note that the Dive Shop at the Two Harbor Dive & Recreation Center is closed from December through February. They resume operations on March 1, 2024. If you are planning to visit Catalina during winter months I recommend staying in Avalon for greater diving possibilities.
Where Can I Get Air Fills In Catalina Island?
You can get air fills both in Avalon and Two Harbors. In Avalon, Catalina Divers Supply, Dive Catalina and Catalina Scuba offer air fills at competitive prices. The cheapest shop offering air fills is Dive Catalina with $8 for a 80cft tank refill. Catalina Divers Supply is slightly more expensive with $10 for a 80cft tank. The Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center also offers air fills but be mindful of the opening season which runs from March through end of November.
If you are into technical diving and are looking for gasses different than air, the place to go is Catalina DIvers Supply. I strongly recommend contacting them before going to Catalina to make sure they are able to supply you with the gas mix or piece of equipment you need.
Can I Dive Catalina Island Directly From Los Angeles?
If you are short on time and would still like to dive Catalina Island without actually sleeping there, I found out several dive shops in the LA area organizing day dive trips to Catalina. You will find the full list of shops here below. Depending on the time of the year, I suggest contacting those shops well beforehand to make sure the trip to Catalina is feasible weather wise.
- Dive N’Surf: Located in Redondo Beach , CA, Dive N’Surf organizes day trips to Catalina Island. The trip costs $199.99 and includes 3 dives to the frontside of Catalina Island. It starts at 6AM from San Pedro Harbor and includes breakfast, lunch and air fills. Note that the price does not include a dive guide. If you are interested in having guided dives, you need to contact the shop and organize them before booking the day trip.
- Dive Center: DiveCenter is located in Culver City, CA and they offer several boat dives to Catalina Island per month. They dive through the winter months as well and each trip includes 3 dives for $189. Trips start at 8AM (they require you to be there at 7AM) from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and return is expected around 3:30 PM. The price does not include food and snacks nor dive equipment so don’t forget to bring your own. Also in this case, dives are unguided if you don’t feel comfortable diving on your own, contact Dive Center in advance to see if they can organize some guided dives (additional fees will apply).
Is There A Recompression Chamber In Catalina Island?
Yes, Catalina has its own hyperbaric medical facility, adding an additional layer of safety if you are planning to scuba dive in the area. No matter if you are diving for the first time or if you are an expert diver, accidents may happen, and I think it is always good to check if there is a hyperbaric medical facility close to your dive sites.
The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber is an emergency medical facility on Catalina Island specialized in the treatment of scuba diving accidents. Chamber facilities are on the waterfront of the Wrigley Marine Science Center and adjacent to a helipad that is permitted for day or night helicopter landings. The chamber operates as an extension of the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine. 24-hour Emergency Medical Line: (310) 510-1053.
Conclusion
Catalina Island is definitely one of the best diving destinations in the US West Coast. No matter if you are a newby or an experienced scuba diver, Catalina caters to all possible divers profiles. It is also an amazing destination if you are planning on becoming a PADI Pro (check out Scuba By Design if interested).
I had the possibility to experience diving in Catalina and found the destination a perfect match also for solo divers, couples with small kids, as well as mixed divers/non-divers couples. In fact, there are plenty of activities you can do in Catalina besides scuba diving. For non divers there are plenty of snorkeling opportunities but also other activities such as whales and dolphins watching, biking, jogging, paddle surfing and much more.
If you are planning on visiting Catalina during the summer months, I suggest booking your accommodation well in advance (4 months or more) as the island can get quite crowded during the summer season. Don’t forget to also book your ferries and dives well ahead of time as they can also get quite busy during summer.
Other Posts You Might Be Interested In
Looking for some amazing scuba diving destinations easily reachable from the US? Check out my ultimate diving guides to choose your next scuba diving escape.