Best place to dive in the US - article

[Eric Sedletzky]

This Scuba Diving Spot Was Just Named No. 1 in the U.S.—Here's What It's Like

Just off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island has been named the best place to scuba dive in the United States. Here's what it's like to visit.

www.travelandleisure.com

 

[mrtechbench]

I was supposed to dive kelp forest long ago but they cancelled it due to low visibility, and I haven't been back.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

This Scuba Diving Spot Was Just Named No. 1 in the U.S.—Here's What It's Like

Just off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island has been named the best place to scuba dive in the United States. Here's what it's like to visit.

www.travelandleisure.com

Have you ever been diving in that area? I’ve been curious about it for awhile now.

Erik

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Have you ever been diving in that area? I’ve been curious about it for awhile now.

Erik

I've been to Catalina but around the other side of the island off a charter boat.
Never been to Casino Point but it's on my bucket list.

 

[Still Kicking]

This recent thread covers some logistics about diving Catalina:

Post in thread 'Just spit balling a trip to socal....thoughts?'

Jun 18, 2025

Marine Park in Avalon for the best kelp experience. The mainland is better for small stuff but visibility on the front side of Catalina is usually better.

• jlyle

It's very cool that they picked Catalina but, as much as I love the island, I prefer to dive elsewhere in Southern California.

San Clemente Island has more lush kelp and the northern Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel) are more wild and remote. All of the other islands get much less fishing pressure than Catalina, so they tend to exhibit more prolific fish populations and bigger specimens. Santa Cruz is riddled with cool sea caves, some large enough to drive an 80' boat into. San Miguel has some incredible offshore pinnacles.

But since the Conception disaster changed all the dynamics of the Southern California dive boat scene, it's become exponentially harder to reach the outer islands. Catalina remains relatively accessible and it's a world class destination if you can handle our cold water.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

Curious how the diving inside Channel Island National Park is compared to Catalina Island?

Erik

 

[scubadada]

I dived several times off Catalina between 1970 and 1980. Blue sharks were not uncommon, we occasionally saw short fin makos.

 

[Still Kicking]

Curious how the diving inside Channel Island National Park is compared to Catalina Island?

Erik

I find the islands within CINP are generally more rugged and offer more variety. They are less heavily fished and there are more Marine Protected Areas, so the fish life is more prolific. As a long-time So Cal diver, it's remarkable to see a dozen 15-20lb male California sheephead aggregating in the same area and 5lb+ spiny lobsters in virtually every hole on the reef. I'm a hunter but I also appreciate seeing the abundance of life where nature is given a free hand.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I saw some pretty amazing recovery in one of the MPA's when I went out on the Spectre to Anacapa.
Clouds of fish everywhere and big lobsters crawling around on a big rock right under the boat in about 40'. One was about 12 lbs laying in a crack. My buddy almost spit his reg when I pointed it out.
And this was broad daylight.
I think the Socal dive boats are an outstanding value when you consider three great dives and great food including a great BBQ.

The Spectre Dive Boat | Channel Islands Diving

Cal Boat Diving offers Channel Islands scuba diving trips, snorkel and gear rental aboard the Spectre Dive Boat. Book your dive today!

spectreboat.com

 

[Nemrod]

Baloney. This moray would like to disagree, Jupiter to WPB any day over Catalina Island.