First time in Catalina

[boxinchef]

My wife and I are headed to Catalina in July. I have been looking into dive operators and there doesn't seem to be all that many. We prefer smaller groups and more attention. In the past we've gone with groups of 6 or less and have been very happy. Are there such operators on Catalina? Otherwise what would be our best compromise?

 

[dpbishop]

All my Catalina Dives have been from my own boat, so I'm no expert on the dive boats there, but here goes:

Check out the Catalina sticky thread at the top of the SoCal forum. The 5th post has information on the two dive services that operate out of Avalon. Catalina Divers Supply's boat is smaller than Scuba Luv's, but both have received good reviews from those who have used them. Some of the Best diving in Catalina is at the Istmus (Two Harbors). If you can't get a dive trip there from Avalon try the Two Harbors dive shop boat: Scuba Diving - Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island

You can take a ferry or a bus from Avalon to Two Harbors, although schlepping equipment on the bus could get old quick. Both trips are worth it for the sightseeing alone, from the boat you will see about half of the southern side of the island and from the bus you will see the interior, and if your lucky you might see some Buffalo. There is a small Hotel with a good Restaurant at the Isthmus, the Banning House Lodge, worth a night if you can get a room.

Ask at the Harbor Office about snorkeling with the leopard sharks. Awesome experience!!!

Make sure you try some of the local white sea bass at the restaurants. They were almost fished to extinction, but a farming operation by Hubbs Research, with a lot of volunteer help, has brought them back to commercial levels. Delicious.

And speaking of Bass, when you dive from Avalon, see if they know where the Giant Black Sea Bass are hanging out. I've only sen them once, and ranks as one of my favorite dive memories.

 

[muddiver]

The divers that dive from chartered boats usually do so to get to the island from the main land. As mentioned by dpbishop there are the two boats out of Avalon.

You should plan on doing your first couple of dives at the Avalon SCUBA Park. It's free, it's a shore entry off of nice wide steps and you will see every thing there that you might see anywhere else around the island.

It is also a really good spot to get your buoancy figured out and to decide how much neoprene you want to wear. Then you'll be set for your boat trips.

 

[dwaters]

box, let us know when and I'm sure there will be those willing show off what we have here.
It would be great if you timed your trip to join in our monthly "wrinkles" dives... July we will be
on the island/Avalon and diving the park... check out this link:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...inkles-july-2008-dive-catalina-island-ca.html
Great discount for summer months and we all have a fun weekend.
Also for boat trips from main land check out; California Dive Boats : The Official Page
Hope to see you in the water this July.

 

[drbill]

There are no six pack type boats out here on the island any more. The Garibaldi out of the West End Dive Shop (mentioned above) may be the closest. I do all my Catalina boat diving with SCUBA Luv (310-510-2350) on the King Neptune out of Avalon. The Catalina Divers Supply also runs a boat and will give you a good experience.

 

[boxinchef]

We have limited dive gear. Do they rent gear at Avalon park? Also, will it be prohibitively crowded in July?

 

[drbill]

Yes, there are three shops here that rent full (or partial) gear

 

[Teamcasa]

We have limited dive gear. Do they rent gear at Avalon park? Also, will it be prohibitively crowded in July?

Yes, they rent all the gear you need and yes, it will be crowded but don't let that bother you, the park can accommodate hundreds of divers.

But don’t limit yourself by diving only the park, use both on-island operators – you will have some wonderful dives!