Diving Casino underwater park

[canvas66]

I am going to be in Catalina on June 12, I am a open water diver, and my son (15) doesnt' dive, but is kind of interested in it. I was thinking of having him do a introductory dive, and was wondering if this is a good place for him to experience diving for the first time. Also, what marine life is found at this site on a regular basis?
I am new to this board and any info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

I was just on Catalina for a week of diving. I think it would be a great place for a Discover Scuba dive for your son. It's typically a nice calm place to dive and the park is full of marine life. Lobsters, Garibaldi, Sheephead, Crabs...kelp fish, black sea bass...flounder...rays...eels...oh, kelp too. That's all I can remember seeing off the top of my head. Oh an octopus too!

There is a fill station right there at the park at Casino Point for fills, and I believe the same company that owns the station does the Discover Scuba trips as well. They have all the gear right there at that station.

Either way...it's a great place. I do believe I'll be there as well that weekend!

Have fun!

 

[dwaters]

canvas66, Check the "updated Catalina forum" here and contact the two ops there and see if they do a "Discover Scuba". If any "open sea water" place to do that, the park would be the best... just don't know if they offer that.
p.s. where are you from??? don't be shy and fill out your profile so we can get to know you.

 

[drbill]

Both Scuba Luv (310-510-2350) and Catalina Divers Supply will do Discover SCUBA. The dive park is a great place to do one since it is generally a fairly calm site with stairs leading right into... and out of the water!

 

[TSandM]

I know somebody does "Discover Scuba" at the park, because I saw an instructor with what looked like a father and son when we were there last year. I'd think the dive park would be a FANTASTIC place to do a Discover Scuba, if the water conditions are right. When we were there, the viz was fabulous, the sunlight through the kelp was stunningly beautiful, the Garibaldis were cheeky, and we saw morays and horn sharks and tons of colorful gobies and many, many nudibranchs. The only problem would be that, after having done that, many other sites may initially seem rather dull!

 

[JMdiver]

Since they do Discover Scuba in the park that would be a good way to go.

John