Do I need prior certification?

Yes, students should hold an Open Water certification or equivalent before enrolling in an Advanced Open Water course.

Are ferry tickets included?

No, ferry tickets to Avalon are not included; reserve passage separately and allow extra travel time in your schedule.

Is gear rental available?

Yes, basic dive gear can be rented if you do not own equipment; confirm rental options during booking.

What is the class size?

Classes are limited to up to four students to keep instruction focused and personalized.

What paperwork is required?

You must complete a medical Diver Information form, PADI or NAUI liability forms and any training contracts prior to diving.

Can dives be canceled?

Instructors may cancel dives for safety reasons, including rough seas or if a guest appears impaired by alcohol or substances.

Catalina Advanced Open Water — Master Deep Diving & Navigation Off Avalon

Adventure Brief

Two days of focused advanced diving off Avalon, Catalina Island — refine navigation, buoyancy and deep dive planning with experienced instructors in small groups. Perfect for divers ready to push skills while exploring kelp forests and rocky reefs.

2 days

challenging

From $812.00

Off the breakwater in Avalon, Catalina Advanced Open Water delivers two days of focused dive training that turns basic open water skills into confident, practical ability in deeper, colder water. The course centers on refining underwater navigation, precise buoyancy control and planning for dives beyond typical recreational limits, all while moving through kelp forests, rocky reef ledges and clear blue swells frequented by Garibaldi and curious sea lions. Small classes, up to four students, mean instructors tailor drills, briefing depth profiles and debriefs to individual learning curves. The program includes supervised training dives, shore based skill sessions, tanks, weights and drinking water; gear is available if needed but required e learning materials, ferry tickets, meals and accommodations are not included. Students must complete a medical Diver Information form, sign PADI or NAUI paperwork and arrive prepared to listen and respond in English for safety briefings; translators are not permitted. Catalina’s marine environment sits at the edge of Southern California’s Channel Islands bioregion, and Avalon offers immediate access to protected coves and Marine Protected Areas where rocky reef, kelp canopy and sandy channels produce layered habitats. Divers commonly spot Garibaldi, kelp bass, bronze coryphene and the occasional California sea lion, while the substrate reveals boulders, reef outcrops and pockets of sand that become practical training ground for navigation exercises. Avalon carries a long human history, from the Tongva people who fished these waters to Avalon’s incorporation in 1913, and the dive program ties into that legacy by emphasizing low impact practices and respect for marine life. Instructors work with small groups to limit reef contact and emphasize surface interval etiquette; that attention to stewardship makes this operator a valuable part of Avalon’s active outdoor scene. Expect two full days that mix classroom review, confined water skills and open water dives that include navigation legs, deep descents and controlled ascents; weather, sea state and visibility vary by season so plan extra travel time for the ferry and pack a light jacket. Because classes cap at four divers, book early if you have strict dates, and confirm whether you will rent gear or use your own equipment before arrival to streamline check in. Catalina Advanced Open Water is a compact, high value way to push skills toward deeper dives while experiencing one of Southern California’s most accessible and wildlife rich underwater playgrounds. You will leave with stronger navigation ability, more efficient buoyancy and the confidence to plan deeper dives with a buddy. If you are traveling to Avalon, reserve ferry passage early and bring proof of certification where applicable; complete required paperwork online to maximize in water time. For booking details use the referral link or contact the operator directly. Happy diving ahead.

About Scuba Women

Scuba Women, based in Avalon, California, runs scuba diving courses and guided dives on Catalina Island. The operation offers a range of Catalina-centered programs, including specialty courses, hands-on workshops, multi-day training, and guided kelp forest dives. Course options listed include Catalina Deep Diver Specialty (private course), Catalina Advanced Open Water, Catalina Nitrox Specialty (dry and two-dive options), Catalina Rescue Diver Course, Catalina Trim and Buoyancy Workshop, Catalina Dry Suit Specialty, Catalina DSMB Workshop, Catalina Sidemount Training, and Catalina Guided Dives.

Programs emphasize practical skills such as deep diving to 130 feet, Nitrox computer setup and log review, dry-suit buoyancy and cold-water techniques, delayed surface marker buoy deployment, sidemount configuration and gas control, and rescue and emergency skills. Several offerings provide hands-on training and small-group guided dives through Catalina’s kelp forests and underwater scenery. The business provides both dry training options and supervised open-water dives where applicable, with structured courses aligned to specialty training objectives.

Scuba Women is featured on The Adventure Collective, which lists the business and its Catalina experiences. The listing highlights the available specialty courses and guided dives from Avalon, California, for divers seeking technical skills, safety training, or recreational exploration around Catalina Island. Prospective participants can review specific course summaries and select private or small-group formats where indicated. All program descriptions specify the training focus and the practical skills covered, enabling informed selection of courses and guided dives. Detailed course summaries and booking details are available through the Adventure Collective listing and direct contact channels for divers.