Catalina Island in August

[BoatingDave]

Going to be on Catalina Island in August. Only will have time for one dive day. Do people suggest the Two Harbors area or near Avalon? I have never dived in kelp beds and looking for an easier dive as I haven't been diving during the pandemic. Just want to get my feet wet (pun intended). I can't wiat!

Any suggestions?

Also would people suggest a 7mm at that time of year?

Thanks

 

[Andrea VanEpps]

You're going to want to go to Avalon. Look up Casino Point dive park.
They rent gear and fill tanks right there.
The dive park has just about everything you'll want in SoCal diving

 

[Ulfhedinn]

7mm or dry suit year round.

They have tanks and gas at the site.

Casino Point | DIVING CATALINA

 

[Esprise Me]

Yes to Avalon and the 7mm. You'll love the dive park--doesn't get easier than having benches to gear up and stairs to walk right down in to the water. Do try to time it so you're not entering or exiting at low tide though.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Here is a trip report I did in 2018. Lots of good advice about either a cab or baggage service from the pier. Say hi to Charlie, the huge sea bass for me!

Catalina Island trip report

Safe travels,
Jay

 

[merxlin]

As has been mentioned the Dive Park at Casino Point in Avalon is your best bet. If you're diving a week day, no issues. You can rent gear right there via Catalina Divers Supply. Water temps can vary- might be mid 60's, might be mid 50's so a 7mm is safe. If you are going to dive a weekend, I'd suggest reserving gear and a tank, as it gets busy, and more so now that people can get out but not travel out of the country yet. There is lots to see in the park.

And yes, avoid low tide.

You can also take boats out of Avalon and try some of the other sites on the island but if you've never dove in kelp you might want to arrange a buddy first, or hire a guide. Also note there may not be much kelp that time of year if the temps get really warm.

 

[wnissen]

I would book on the Scuba Cat if they are running, big stable boat with great crew. Even if there's not much kelp in the dive park there will be some they can take you to. They'll rent gear as well.

 

[drbill]

Due to unseasonably cool water temperatures, there is plenty of kelp (and other cooler water algae) in the dive park right now. These days most of my dives are in the park. However, there are some fine dive sites (Ship Rock, Bird Rock, Eagle Reef, Empire Landing Quarry and Sea Fan Grotto to name a few) close to the Isthmus if you have your own tanks on board.

 

[Ulfhedinn]

Going to be on Catalina Island in August. Only will have time for one dive day. Do people suggest the Two Harbors area or near Avalon? I have never dived in kelp beds and looking for an easier dive as I haven't been diving during the pandemic. Just want to get my feet wet (pun intended). I can't wiat!

Any suggestions?

Also would people suggest a 7mm at that time of year?

Thanks

Please leave a dive report about Catalina. With things like tank rental cost and options, fill cost, crowded or not, how was the kelp, etc...

thanks

 

[BoatingDave]

Catalina island was great. Got to see a fabled giant black sea bass! It was several feet long and about 450 pounds. Amazing, I was totally hoping to see one!

Somewhat crowded topside, but scuba park itself at Casino point never felt crowded at all. A good number of divers, snorkelers, and free-divers. Water was about 70 at the surface, 60's below. Felt warm and comfy with a 7 mm and hood.

As I've never been there can't say if the amount of kelp was low or not, but there was a very nice kelp forest especially on the eastern side of Casino point park (to the right of the stairs as you look at the water).

Rental prices seem pretty similar around the island, I rented a 7 mm for $20 for 24 hours. See the attached image below for a typical price list.