Diving Catalina Island - Casino Point

So you want to go diving but you don’t want to dive off a crowded boat over a weekend or fight the surf zone on a beach dive. You ask yourself “where should I dive?”  The answer is clear, go to Catalina Island on the Express. The cost is $71.50, and it takes you just over an hour. Check online to find departures that will fit your schedule. Parking at the terminal is around $15.

Once you get to the island let the baggage handlers take your gear straight to the Dive Park for you, and the cost is about $10 including tip. If you are traveling light there are three dive operations to get you going with gear.  As you walk into town the first you’ll come to is Moore Diving.  It is a little shop with a knowledgeable owner.  To get to the second operation take a right onto the Green Pier.  Located towards the end of the pier you will find Catalina Divers Supply (CDS).  To your left, away from the Green Pier, is the third operation, Scuba Luv.  You can also head straight towards the Casino and the Underwater Dive Park and get rentals from the air fill station, which is operated by CDS.

The Dive Park offers World Class diving down just a few steps into tranquil forests of kelp.  You can find everything from wrecks to reefs and a variety of fish. The depths of your dive can vary from shallow to just over 100fsw. If you are not familiar with the Dive Park then hire a dive guide who will give you an expert tour of the park. Don’t forget to tip your dive guide! A typical tip is usually $20, but if your guide gets you a glance of the Cousteau Monument, “Oscar” the famous park sheephead, or even the occasional Giant Black Sea Bass then by all means, show your appreciation with a little bit more. 

 

When you have finished your dives you will probably realize that you have worked up an appetite. There are several restaurants back in town. Two of my favorite spots are El Galleon, especially if you have the voice for karaoke, or Luau Larry’s.  Luau Larry’s has great burgers and, if island rumors are to be believed, some excellent beverages to get you ready for your trip back to the Mainland.