Catalina Island Boat SCUBA Experience from San Diego
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, able to carry gear and handle multiple dives along with boat transfers.
Overview
Dive into an unforgettable day trip to Catalina Island with three unique underwater sites, expert guidance, and delicious meals onboard. Discover vibrant kelp forests and marine life just a short trip from San Diego!
Catalina Island Boat SCUBA Experience (3 Dives)
9* Hours • 10 Years+ (certified divers only)
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Catalina Island, where you’ll dive into stunning kelp forests teeming with marine life. Enjoy three unique dive sites, expert guidance, and delicious meals, all while cruising through breathtaking waters. Experience the thrill of diving without the weekend commitment—this is a true bucket list adventure!
Day trip to Catalina Island! EXCLUSIVE: We are the only company that offers this bucket list experience. Best diving on the west coast
Duration
Full Day (9* Hours)
About
Have you ever dreamed of floating effortlessly through some of the largest kelp forests in the world? Interacting with giant black sea bass, octopus, dolphins, sea lions, green sea turtles, and even the occasional shark! Catalina Island boasts some of the best visibility and conditions in California with unparalleled If so, this trip is for you!
Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. Famous throughout the dive world for its pristine kelp forests, clear visibility, and large biodiversity. This is a TRUE bucket list dive experience.
Now you don’t have to commit the time and money to an entire weekend staying on the famous Catalina Island! Odyssea Diving is the only company that offers 3 tank DAY trips to the island.
Diving Experience Includes: 3 steel tanks, 3 separate dive sites, Professional dive guide, complimentary transport, and great breakfast, lunch, desserts, drinks! (gear rental available)
Itinerary:
Transportation from from San Diego to Long Beach is INCLUDED. You will leave San Diego at 5am from our meeting point (North county Carlsbad pick up available upon request). Or feel free to meet at the dock, 182 N Marina Dr. Long beach, CA, at 7am (unless otherwise noted)
There we will board our custom dive boat docked in Long Beach. Enjoy a light breakfast, coffee, and snacks on your hour ride out to the island. Look for massive dolphin pods and whales as we cruise. Once we arrive at our first dive site, you will be briefed on safety procedures, dive plan, and the amazing animals we will see! Remember, these are remote dive sites that very few can access. These are pristine private dive locations!
After our first dive, we will warm up with hot beverages and full lunch (vegan /Veg options avail. please notify before trip) The boat will then move to the next dive site, where we will brief again with your instructor/guide and splash in. Now we warm up again, use the onboard bathrooms, eat snacks, chat with other divers, and prepare for our final dive.
After our final dive, we start our ride back to the dock at sunset! On this ride many have experienced their first green flash phenomenon so keep your eyes peeled! Back to the dock by 7pm!
*If a specific date is sold out please call to get on waitlist *all photos are our actual photos shot on location
Adventure Tips
Check Dive Certification
Ensure you have the appropriate dive certification and recent diving experience before booking.
Hydrate Well
Drink plenty of water before and after diving to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while on deck by using reef-safe sunscreen to preserve marine ecosystems.
Prepare for Boat Motion
If you're prone to seasickness, bring medication or remedies to handle boat motion comfortably.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California sea lions often seen playing near dive sites
- Garibaldi fish, California’s state marine fish, bright orange and abundant
History
Catalina Island has a rich history as a favorite destination for explorers and divers alike since the early 20th century, with dive sites named after shipwrecks and old mining operations.
Conservation
The area is part of the Catalina Island Marine Protected Area, where sustainable diving practices help preserve sensitive kelp forests and marine wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit (5mm recommended)
Provides thermal protection in Catalina's cool water temperatures during most of the year.
fall|winter|spring specific
Dive Computer
Helps monitor depth, time, and decompression limits during multiple boat dives safely.
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Critical safety device for signaling your position on the surface during boat dives.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure while ensuring minimal impact on Catalina’s delicate marine ecosystems.
summer|null specific