Do I need a certification card?

No certification is required for the try-dive; bring a cert card only if you have one for record-keeping.

How deep is the dive?

The ocean dive can be up to 40 feet, but instructors tailor depth to comfort and skill level.

What is included in the price?

All training, rental scuba gear and drinking water are included. Ferry tickets and meals are not.

Are there age limits or language requirements?

Age and language restrictions apply—students must be able to fully understand English for safety briefings.

What happens if weather or sea conditions are bad?

Instructors may cancel or reschedule dives due to unsafe sea conditions or if a participant appears intoxicated.

Can I get photos or video of the dive?

Photos and videos are sometimes available for purchase separately; ask your instructor before the dive.

Catalina Try Dive: Beginner Scuba in Avalon’s Clear Waters

Stand on the Avalon shoreline and imagine slipping beneath the surface into the warm, clear waters of Santa Catalina Island. Catalina Try Dive offers a compact, guided scuba experience off Avalon, California, ideal for first-timers who want a safe, hands-on introduction to breathing underwater. In two hours you learn skills on the surface, don a full kit, and make one ocean dive to around 40 feet under the supervision of a professional instructor. Operator information: not provided. The dive site off Avalon is defined by kelp forests, rocky reefs and shallow sandy benches that create a forgiving classroom for new divers. Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forms vertical gardens that sway with the current, and California’s bright orange Garibaldi and kelp bass are common sights. Visibility here often ranges from 20 to 40 feet in summer months, and the sheltered coves reduce surge compared with mainland reefs—features that make Catalina a top place to try scuba on the U.S. West Coast. What to expect: small groups (up to two students per instructor) mean individualized coaching during skill drills, gear familiarization and a one-ocean dive of up to 40 feet. All training and rental gear are included, plus drinking water. Bring a swimsuit, towel, light jacket and sunscreen; ferry tickets and meals are not included. You will complete medical and liability forms (PADI/NAUI) and must be able to follow English-language briefings for safety reasons. Why book this experience: the combination of easy access from Avalon, personal attention from instructors and the island’s rich marine life compresses a full introductory dive course into a single, confidence-building session. For travelers staying in Avalon, it’s an efficient way to add a memorable, wildlife-focused activity between hikes or kayaking. The controlled environment of the shallower reefs reduces common beginner stressors—less current, clear sightlines and abundant reef life to focus on. Safety notes and accessibility: instructors reserve the right to cancel if a participant appears intoxicated. There are standard medical screening requirements; divers should disclose health conditions before booking. Young divers and non-English speakers should check age and language restrictions in advance. Plan for a brief surface session that covers buoyancy basics, hand signals and emergency procedures; instructors tailor pacing to nervous or cautious students. Dress in layers for changing winds on the Avalon pier, and allow extra time for ferry schedules—seasonal crossings and sea conditions affect boarding times and can influence dive timing plans. This try-dive is a compact, expertly guided immersion into one of Southern California’s most scenic marine environments. Whether you come for the neon Garibaldi, the cathedral-like kelp forest or simply the thrill of breathing underwater, Catalina’s clear blue pockets off Avalon deliver a beginner scuba experience that is both accessible and unforgettable.

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.