...Yeah, ideally if you're coming on a weekend during the high season, you book more than a couple weeks in advance. Those are the only days you have available?
Here's another option not yet sold out. It's probably not as good a fit for you. Eco Dive Center in Culver City runs boat charters every weekend to Catalina and other islands. They have a boat going to Catalina on the 19th.
BOAT TICKET: Catalina Island 06/19/2021 7:00AM 3 Dives - Magician Dive Boat
This is not a substitute for the ferry; you won't set foot on the island, and you won't be diving in the park. You'll go to three sites of the captain's choosing; they will all be suitable for OW divers. The boat will be crowded, and you will have to gear up fairly quickly without assistance. There may be an OW class on the boat, but you won't get to hang out with them. There will be a site briefing, but there won't be a guide for you unless you call the shop to hire one, and if you do, it'll probably be at least $100 plus the price of another boat ticket. The boat will look a bit shabby and nothing like a luxury tropical liveaboard. You will need to go to a dive shop the day before to rent gear, and return it the day after; you probably won't have time the day of the trip because the store will be closed before you get back. You can do a weight check in the water and come back for more lead if you really need to, but it's pretty inconvenient. The food will be basic but tasty, probably something like pasta and salad as the main dish, with snacks and dessert so you're eating before and after every dive. If you have ever been seasick, you should probably take some meds, as the crossing takes over an hour and can be rough sometimes. You will need a good boat coat, preferably one you can wear over your wetsuit between dives. You should bring at least $30 cash for crew tips for the two of you.
Or go with the helicopter option. Looks like IEX has two spots left on the 18th, for now.
