Catalina Open Water Course: Private Shore Diving in Casino Point's Kelp Gardens

On the sheltered eastern shore of Santa Catalina Island, the three-day Catalina Open Water Course — Private Training turns timid swimmers into confident divers amid towering kelp and clear blue water. Based out of Casino Point Dive Park in Avalon, California, this compact program combines focused classroom review, confined-water practice and shore-based open-water dives in one of America's top shore-dives. Students start each day at 8 a.m. in the Casino Point parking area where instructors walk through gear setup, safety drills and swim qualifications before moving into the kelp forest. The training follows a progressive itinerary: day one establishes swim skills, equipment assembly and basic emergency responses; day two adds navigation, gas management and buoyancy under real ocean conditions; day three hones skill mastery across two to three dives and completes library exams and practical sign-offs. Classes are deliberately small — up to two people — so instructors can tailor feedback and ensure mastery. What makes Catalina special is the forest of giant Macrocystis kelp that creates vertical corridors and visual drama beneath the surface. The dive park supports more than 750 marine species; expect bright orange Garibaldi, curious rockfish and the occasional Giant Black Sea Bass. Water visibilities vary with the seasons but the kelp, rocky reefs and abundant fish life make every dive feel like a living aquarium. All standard dive equipment, tanks and weights are included; e-learning and ferry fare are not. Students must complete e-learning before the first in-water session and bring a completed medical form; all participants should be able to swim and carry roughly 50 pounds for short distances. Instructors reserve the right to postpone training for safety if conditions, health or intoxication are concerns. This program stands out because it teaches in a true shore-diving environment instead of a pool, so divers graduate with immediate ocean experience and local knowledge of Catalina's currents and entry techniques. Avalon’s tourism infrastructure makes logistics straightforward — ferries, lodging and post-dive cafés are a short walk from the dive park. The course accepts students aged 12+, and the listed rate is $350 per training day; many finish in three days, though instructors sometimes recommend extra time to master skills. Small classes mean repeated hands-on drills and one-on-one buoyancy coaching, accelerating learning. Bring snacks, sunscreen, a towel and a light jacket for surface intervals — these shore entries require no boat and keep logistics simple.