It is time to update this thread with current information.
I have closed the old one so you can add the current information to this one.
If a useful post just needs a little editing, before it is posted here, just PM me the changes and I’ll edit it and post it here.
Thanks.
____________________________________________________________________
Jim McCabe’s Original Post
Catalina Diving
Layout
Catalina Island (map: http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0799/pap346/P34603.JPG) is something like 20-25 miles off the coast of Southern California (give or take a few miles depending on where you're going), directly west of Los Angeles. At the southern tip of the island, on the east side, is the main village called Avalon (Catalina Adventure Tours - The Adventure Begins Here - Avalon Map). The village of Avalon lines the crescent shaped Avalon bay. Ferries to Avalon arrive on the “left” (south) tip of the crescent, and the Casino Dive Park is on the “right” (north) tip. The distance around the crescent from the ferry terminal to the Casino is less than a mile, and about a 20 minute walk thru the village of Avalon.
Getting There
Ferry: The most popular way to get to Catalina Island from the mainland is to take the Catalina Express (www.catalinaexpress.com), a high speed passenger-only ferry (no autos) which provides service to the main village of Avalon from either Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. Ferry seats can sell out weeks in advance, so you should call the Catalina Express (800-481-3470) well in advance to make reservations. This is especially true if you plan to travel in the summer. TIP: The earliest morning ferries are your best bet, since you are more likely to get a reservation, and they are typically the least crowded, giving you more room to spread out. Round trip fares are typically around $50 per adult, but check the website for updated fares. One way travel times are around 1:00 from Long Beach, 1:15 from San Pedro, and 1:30 from Dana Point. The ferry is very comfortable, generally a very smooth ride, and they offer snacks for sale onboard. You will also have to pay for parking at the ferry terminal on the mainland, which will cost between $8 - $15 per day.
Baggage: Catalina Express has specific baggage requirements, but in general for divers they allow one tank per person, and weights must be carried on board with you. Typically the crew members direct divers to place their dive gear outside in an open area along the railing on the bow or stern, and racks are provided for vertically mounting the tanks. When boarding, you may be allowed only one trip to get your gear from the dock, so check first. TIP: Beware, dive gear is typically piled up in the storage area, so if you get on board first you’ll probably have everybody else’s gear on top of yours. You might want to carry your regulator, mask, and other breakables with you. Many divers bring their own tanks to Catalina. However, you can rent all of your scuba gear, including tanks, when you get to Avalon. TIP: If you’re going to bring a tank, you might want to get one of those two wheeled hand trucks and strap your tank to it for transport.
When you Arrive
When you arrive at Avalon, you can have any baggage/dive gear transported for you for a fee to the Casino (or anywhere else in Avalon) by Catalina Baggage and Storage (310-510-0766). Their office is located just past the ticket counter near the ferry terminal. Call first to see if they are operating. If they are open they will also store your bags for you for a fee. Another option is store your bags and valuables in the many lockers provided next to the ferry terminal. You will need quarters for the lockers. There is a change machine next to the Catalina Baggage and Storage office, or you can pay for a locker directly at their office if it’s open. There are also a very limited number of lockers at the Casino Dive Park, some of which are broken. However, on a very busy day, or even later in the morning on a non-busy day, the lockers at the Casino are likely to be all taken. Autos are strictly limited on the island so most visitors either walk, or rent bicycles or golf carts. Taxis are also an option.
Diving
Avalon is located on the East ("front") side of Catalina Island. Diving on the east side of Catalina has a couple of benefits: first, it is significantly closer to the mainland when travelling by boat. Second, the prevailing swells from storms in the Pacific are typically from the NW or W, and the front side of Catalina is usually sheltered from those swells, making very calm dive conditions throughout the year. When beach diving conditions on the mainland are poor due to high seas and rain runoff, Catalina diving is usually (though not always) very good. Water temperatures vary from a low of around 56 degrees F to a high in the low to mid 70’s. There are a few options for diving on and around Catalina. If you dive from Avalon you’ll probably deal with one of the following dive shops in Avalon:
Catalina Divers Supply (www.catalinadiverssupply.com)
Scuba Luv (www.Scubaluv.biz)
The Casino Dive Park
(http://www.catalina.com/diveguide/casinopt.html)
Virtually dive Casino Point
This is the easiest, most convenient, and many would say the best option. There is a dedicated, roped-off dive park in the village of Avalon. It is located right next to the Casino, which sits on a breakwater on the north side of Avalon. It’s about a 20 minute stroll from where the ferry drops you off. Many divers get off the ferry, head over to the Catalina Baggage & Storage office, give them their dive gear, then stroll over to the Casino, maybe stopping for breakfast on the way at one of the coffee shops along the water. By the time you arrive at the Casino your gear will probably have arrived, so you’re ready to dive. There is a large paved area where divers congregate and gear up. Most folks just leave their bags and non-valuables on the ground while diving without worry of theft. There are a very limited number of lockers available, and require 3 (?) quarters every time you access the locker. There are stairs leading down to the water so that divers can make an easy entry and exit. Remember to use the right hand stairs to enter the water, and left hand stairs to exit. Also, please don’t congregate on the stairs, and keep them clear so other divers can pass. There is also a restroom nearby in the Casino, and a number of restaurants a short walk away in the village. Catalina Divers Supply operates a rental/fill station (a large trailer) at the Casino. Call them first to check hours. Typically it opens at 8am on weekends, and is only open Fri-Sat-Sun in the off season (before June). TIP: If you bring your own tank, you may have to wait in a long line to get a refill during busy weekends. If you rent from them, you are more likely to have a quick refill turnaround, merely swapping for an already filled tank. Also, they sell a plastic coated map of the dive park at the trailer for around $6, which shows depths and interesting sites, including wrecks inside the park. CAUTION: When diving be VERY careful not to stray outside the park boundaries, since there is a lot of boat traffic in the immediate area. Visibility in the park is typically much better than you’ll find while beach diving off the mainland. It may vary from more than 40 ft. to less than 20 when plankton is blooming on hot days. You’ll find a lot of marine life, kelp forests, and interesting wrecks in the dive park. If you need a dive buddy, you can also hire someone from the dive shops to give you a tour. When you are finished diving and want to head back to the ferry, give a call to Catalina Baggage and Storage (310-510-0766) and they will come pick up your gear.
Boat from the mainland
In contrast to the high speed ferry, dive boats typically take twice as long (around 2 hours) to get to the “front side” (east side) of Catalina, and don’t dock at Avalon. Trips to the “back side” (west side) can take over 3 hours each way. Most dive sites around Catalina are very close to shore, since the island slopes off very quickly and the sea bottom gets quite deep. The following are some of the more popular dive boats:
The Great Escape
The Bottom Scratcher
The Sundiver
The CeeRay
The Magician
The Sand Dollar
Other dive boats: http://www.californiadiveboats.com
Boat from Avalon
The dive shops on Avalon also run dive boats which leave from the pier in Avalon harbor. This may ultimately be a more expensive option, since you will pay for not only the ferry to Avalon, but also a separate boat trip. See the dive shop websites above for more details.
Accomodations
Accomodations are usually fairly expensive on Catalina, and many hotels require a minimum stay. You can also get a boat/hotel/dive package from either of the dive shops listed above. The Chamber of Commerce (310-510-1520) may be of some help with accomodations. There are a number of “diver friendly” hotels in Avalon (http://www.catalina.com/scuba.html#Friendly):
Diver Friendly Hotels:
Seaport Village Inn
A favorite for some divers. Features dive gear transport from boat landing, group rates, gear wash down area, heated patio spa, BBQ picnic area and classroom gear storage. Also has an elevator to make carrying your gear much eaiser. Call 310-510-0344.
Hotel Atwater
Inexpensive, group and discount rates, baggage service to boat. Packages available. Closed much of the off season. 800-626-0720.
La Paloma and Las Flores
Shuttle from boat, wash down area, storage, showers available after checkout. Call 800-310-1505.
Pavilion Lodge
Baggage service to boat. Packages available. 800-626-1496.
I have closed the old one so you can add the current information to this one.
If a useful post just needs a little editing, before it is posted here, just PM me the changes and I’ll edit it and post it here.
Thanks.
____________________________________________________________________
Jim McCabe’s Original Post
Catalina Diving
Layout
Catalina Island (map: http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0799/pap346/P34603.JPG) is something like 20-25 miles off the coast of Southern California (give or take a few miles depending on where you're going), directly west of Los Angeles. At the southern tip of the island, on the east side, is the main village called Avalon (Catalina Adventure Tours - The Adventure Begins Here - Avalon Map). The village of Avalon lines the crescent shaped Avalon bay. Ferries to Avalon arrive on the “left” (south) tip of the crescent, and the Casino Dive Park is on the “right” (north) tip. The distance around the crescent from the ferry terminal to the Casino is less than a mile, and about a 20 minute walk thru the village of Avalon.
Getting There
Ferry: The most popular way to get to Catalina Island from the mainland is to take the Catalina Express (www.catalinaexpress.com), a high speed passenger-only ferry (no autos) which provides service to the main village of Avalon from either Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. Ferry seats can sell out weeks in advance, so you should call the Catalina Express (800-481-3470) well in advance to make reservations. This is especially true if you plan to travel in the summer. TIP: The earliest morning ferries are your best bet, since you are more likely to get a reservation, and they are typically the least crowded, giving you more room to spread out. Round trip fares are typically around $50 per adult, but check the website for updated fares. One way travel times are around 1:00 from Long Beach, 1:15 from San Pedro, and 1:30 from Dana Point. The ferry is very comfortable, generally a very smooth ride, and they offer snacks for sale onboard. You will also have to pay for parking at the ferry terminal on the mainland, which will cost between $8 - $15 per day.
Baggage: Catalina Express has specific baggage requirements, but in general for divers they allow one tank per person, and weights must be carried on board with you. Typically the crew members direct divers to place their dive gear outside in an open area along the railing on the bow or stern, and racks are provided for vertically mounting the tanks. When boarding, you may be allowed only one trip to get your gear from the dock, so check first. TIP: Beware, dive gear is typically piled up in the storage area, so if you get on board first you’ll probably have everybody else’s gear on top of yours. You might want to carry your regulator, mask, and other breakables with you. Many divers bring their own tanks to Catalina. However, you can rent all of your scuba gear, including tanks, when you get to Avalon. TIP: If you’re going to bring a tank, you might want to get one of those two wheeled hand trucks and strap your tank to it for transport.
When you Arrive
When you arrive at Avalon, you can have any baggage/dive gear transported for you for a fee to the Casino (or anywhere else in Avalon) by Catalina Baggage and Storage (310-510-0766). Their office is located just past the ticket counter near the ferry terminal. Call first to see if they are operating. If they are open they will also store your bags for you for a fee. Another option is store your bags and valuables in the many lockers provided next to the ferry terminal. You will need quarters for the lockers. There is a change machine next to the Catalina Baggage and Storage office, or you can pay for a locker directly at their office if it’s open. There are also a very limited number of lockers at the Casino Dive Park, some of which are broken. However, on a very busy day, or even later in the morning on a non-busy day, the lockers at the Casino are likely to be all taken. Autos are strictly limited on the island so most visitors either walk, or rent bicycles or golf carts. Taxis are also an option.
Diving
Avalon is located on the East ("front") side of Catalina Island. Diving on the east side of Catalina has a couple of benefits: first, it is significantly closer to the mainland when travelling by boat. Second, the prevailing swells from storms in the Pacific are typically from the NW or W, and the front side of Catalina is usually sheltered from those swells, making very calm dive conditions throughout the year. When beach diving conditions on the mainland are poor due to high seas and rain runoff, Catalina diving is usually (though not always) very good. Water temperatures vary from a low of around 56 degrees F to a high in the low to mid 70’s. There are a few options for diving on and around Catalina. If you dive from Avalon you’ll probably deal with one of the following dive shops in Avalon:
Catalina Divers Supply (www.catalinadiverssupply.com)
Scuba Luv (www.Scubaluv.biz)
The Casino Dive Park
(http://www.catalina.com/diveguide/casinopt.html)
Virtually dive Casino Point
This is the easiest, most convenient, and many would say the best option. There is a dedicated, roped-off dive park in the village of Avalon. It is located right next to the Casino, which sits on a breakwater on the north side of Avalon. It’s about a 20 minute stroll from where the ferry drops you off. Many divers get off the ferry, head over to the Catalina Baggage & Storage office, give them their dive gear, then stroll over to the Casino, maybe stopping for breakfast on the way at one of the coffee shops along the water. By the time you arrive at the Casino your gear will probably have arrived, so you’re ready to dive. There is a large paved area where divers congregate and gear up. Most folks just leave their bags and non-valuables on the ground while diving without worry of theft. There are a very limited number of lockers available, and require 3 (?) quarters every time you access the locker. There are stairs leading down to the water so that divers can make an easy entry and exit. Remember to use the right hand stairs to enter the water, and left hand stairs to exit. Also, please don’t congregate on the stairs, and keep them clear so other divers can pass. There is also a restroom nearby in the Casino, and a number of restaurants a short walk away in the village. Catalina Divers Supply operates a rental/fill station (a large trailer) at the Casino. Call them first to check hours. Typically it opens at 8am on weekends, and is only open Fri-Sat-Sun in the off season (before June). TIP: If you bring your own tank, you may have to wait in a long line to get a refill during busy weekends. If you rent from them, you are more likely to have a quick refill turnaround, merely swapping for an already filled tank. Also, they sell a plastic coated map of the dive park at the trailer for around $6, which shows depths and interesting sites, including wrecks inside the park. CAUTION: When diving be VERY careful not to stray outside the park boundaries, since there is a lot of boat traffic in the immediate area. Visibility in the park is typically much better than you’ll find while beach diving off the mainland. It may vary from more than 40 ft. to less than 20 when plankton is blooming on hot days. You’ll find a lot of marine life, kelp forests, and interesting wrecks in the dive park. If you need a dive buddy, you can also hire someone from the dive shops to give you a tour. When you are finished diving and want to head back to the ferry, give a call to Catalina Baggage and Storage (310-510-0766) and they will come pick up your gear.
Boat from the mainland
In contrast to the high speed ferry, dive boats typically take twice as long (around 2 hours) to get to the “front side” (east side) of Catalina, and don’t dock at Avalon. Trips to the “back side” (west side) can take over 3 hours each way. Most dive sites around Catalina are very close to shore, since the island slopes off very quickly and the sea bottom gets quite deep. The following are some of the more popular dive boats:
The Great Escape
The Bottom Scratcher
The Sundiver
The CeeRay
The Magician
The Sand Dollar
Other dive boats: http://www.californiadiveboats.com
Boat from Avalon
The dive shops on Avalon also run dive boats which leave from the pier in Avalon harbor. This may ultimately be a more expensive option, since you will pay for not only the ferry to Avalon, but also a separate boat trip. See the dive shop websites above for more details.
Accomodations
Accomodations are usually fairly expensive on Catalina, and many hotels require a minimum stay. You can also get a boat/hotel/dive package from either of the dive shops listed above. The Chamber of Commerce (310-510-1520) may be of some help with accomodations. There are a number of “diver friendly” hotels in Avalon (http://www.catalina.com/scuba.html#Friendly):
Diver Friendly Hotels:
Seaport Village Inn
A favorite for some divers. Features dive gear transport from boat landing, group rates, gear wash down area, heated patio spa, BBQ picnic area and classroom gear storage. Also has an elevator to make carrying your gear much eaiser. Call 310-510-0344.
Hotel Atwater
Inexpensive, group and discount rates, baggage service to boat. Packages available. Closed much of the off season. 800-626-0720.
La Paloma and Las Flores
Shuttle from boat, wash down area, storage, showers available after checkout. Call 800-310-1505.
Pavilion Lodge
Baggage service to boat. Packages available. 800-626-1496.
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