Kelp Cathedrals and Quiet Coves: Scuba Diving Catalina by Private Charter
Private, captain-run dives from Huntington Beach to Catalina’s kelp forests—tailored to your pace and the day’s conditions.
The morning begins with a quiet hum in Huntington Harbour. Gulls trace lazy loops over masts, and the channel breathes with the outgoing tide, nudging the Salty Pleasure toward open water. You slip aboard with a thermos and a little nervous energy, and the boat answers with confidence—fiberglass steady, engine patient, like it’s done this dance a thousand times. The captain casts off, the marina falls away, and Pacific light sharpens to a bright line ahead. Catalina sits low on the horizon, a dark green promise that pulls you forward.
Trail Wisdom
Bring your C-card (or book Discover Scuba)
Certified divers must bring their certification card; beginners can request a Discover Scuba session with a dive master—confirm in advance.
Dress for cold Pacific water
Catalina typically runs 55–70°F. A 7 mm wetsuit with hood and gloves—or a drysuit if trained—keeps you comfortable for longer bottom times.
Plan for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take non-drowsy meds an hour before departure and snack lightly; the channel can be lively even on fair days.
Streamline for the kelp
Secure dangling gear and practice controlled kicks; kelp is forgiving but it prefers tidy divers who move deliberately.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Italian Gardens for summer giant sea bass encounters when conditions allow
- •Descanso Reef’s stair-stepped ridges just past Avalon’s point
Wildlife
Giant sea bass, California sea lions
Conservation Note
Several coves and reefs around Catalina are Marine Protected Areas—do not touch or collect, maintain good buoyancy, and avoid anchoring in sensitive habitats.
Avalon’s Casino Point Underwater Park, established in 1962, is among the nation’s earliest city-designated dive parks and helped cement Catalina’s dive culture.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds, Active marine life
Challenges: Cooler water, Variable visibility from upwelling
Expect crisp conditions and lively kelp growth; visibility can swing with spring winds and currents.
summer
Best for: Warmer water, Calmer seas
Challenges: Busier coves, Potential plankton blooms
Summer offers comfortable temps and friendly surface conditions, especially on the island’s leeward side.
fall
Best for: Best visibility, Stable conditions
Challenges: Occasional Santa Ana winds, Popular weekends
Late summer into fall often delivers clear water and relaxed swell—a sweet spot for photographers and newer divers.
winter
Best for: Quiet sites, Dramatic clarity after storms pass
Challenges: Colder water, Weather-related cancellations
Winter can be glassy and clear between fronts; dress warm and keep your schedule flexible.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
7 mm Wetsuit with Hood and GlovesEssential
Catalina’s water stays cool most of the year; proper exposure protection extends your dive time and comfort.
Dive ComputerEssential
Terraced reefs and multi-level profiles are easier and safer to manage with a reliable computer.
Anti-Nausea Medication
The Catalina Channel can be choppy—prevent seasickness to enjoy your dives and surface intervals.
Dry Bag for Personal Items
Keeps phones, wallets, and a warm layer dry on a busy deck.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
No—certified divers are welcome, and beginners can request a Discover Scuba experience with a dive master. Confirm availability and age limits when booking.
What is included in the charter?
A captain, crew, fuel, and boat essentials are included. Tanks, weights, and full rental gear can be arranged—confirm specifics at the time of booking.
How long is the trip to Catalina from Huntington Beach?
Plan on roughly 1.5–2.5 hours each way depending on conditions, with 6–12 hour charter options to fit multiple dives and a relaxed pace.
What are typical water temperatures and visibility?
Water ranges from about 55–62°F in winter/spring to 65–70°F in late summer/fall. Visibility often runs 20–60 feet, improving in fall.
What if the weather turns bad?
The captain monitors conditions and may adjust the itinerary, choose protected sites, or reschedule/cancel for safety. You’ll be notified as early as possible.
Can non-divers come along?
Yes, spectators and snorkelers are welcome space-permitting, and the captain can anchor in calm coves for swimming between dives.
What to Pack
7 mm wetsuit with hood and gloves for 55–70°F water; dive computer for multi-level profiles; reef-safe sunscreen and a warm post-dive layer; motion-sickness tablets taken an hour before departure.
Did You Know
California’s giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas) have rebounded around Catalina since a 1982 fishing ban—summer aggregations near the Italian Gardens are a celebrated conservation success.
Quick Travel Tips
Park early at Huntington Harbour and allow time for gear loading; eat a light, non-greasy breakfast to minimize seasickness; bring your certification card and completed medical forms; plan flexible return timing in case conditions shift.
Local Flavor
Post-dive, walk to Captain Jack’s in Sunset Beach for old-school seafood or head into downtown for Beachwood Brewing’s award-winning IPAs and barbecue. If you overnight, Huntington Beach’s Main Street delivers surf-town energy, tacos, and easy beach walks at sunset.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Long Beach (LGB, ~30–40 min) and John Wayne/Orange County (SNA, ~30–45 min). Departure: 3821 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach. Drive time to dock: 10–20 min from central Huntington and Seal Beach. Cell service: Reliable at the marina; spotty to fair around Catalina. Permits: No special permit for divers; bring certification card or arrange Discover Scuba; fishing requires a California license if you add angling.
Sustainability Note
Catalina’s MPAs safeguard kelp forests and resident species—maintain neutral buoyancy, keep a respectful distance from sea lions and giant sea bass, and pack out all trash to protect this island’s underwater parks.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont