Plongée à Catalina Island — United States

Catalina Island is Southern California's premier dive destination, a one-hour ferry ride from LA that transports you into towering kelp forests patrolled by giant sea bass and playful sea lions. Casino Point Dive Park offers shore-entry access to some of the best temperate diving in the Americas. Cold water demands a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

Score
62.8
Visibilité
5–30m
Température
13–21°C
Meilleurs mois
July, August, September
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Catalina Island
United StatesPacific Ocean
62.8

SCORE

33.3942°N

-118.4159°E

Catalina Island is Southern California's premier dive destination, a one-hour ferry ride from LA that transports you into towering kelp forests patrolled by giant sea bass and playful sea lions. Casino Point Dive Park offers shore-entry access to some of the best temperate diving in the Americas. Cold water demands a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

SoCal's Kelp Forest Jewel

Visibility5–30 m
Temperature13–21°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$140
Best MonthsJuly, August, September, October
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH30.0VIS60.0SV65.0TMP42.0DA68.0OP80.0TS80.0GT72.0VAL55.0CRD52.0SP78.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
70
Megafauna Encounters
65
Reef Fish Abundance
72
Macro Life
75
Endemic Species
68
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
30.0
Visibility & Conditions
60.0
Dive Site Variety
65.0
Water Temperature
42.0
Depth & Access
68.0
Operator Quality
80.0
Topside Experience
80.0
Getting There
72.0
Value & Cost
55.0
Crowding
52.0
Social Proof
78.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Catalina Casino tourzip-liningglass-bottom boathiking Trans-Catalina Trail

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Catalina Island Museum
  • Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden

Non-Diver Score

8/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber2 km — USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber
Nearest Hospital2 km

USC operates a hyperbaric chamber on Catalina Island; Avalon has a medical clinic — serious cases transfer to mainland LA hospitals

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Catalina Divers Supply

PADI

4.7
350 reviewsNITROX

Catalina Scuba Luv

SSI

4.6
220 reviewsNITROX