Explore Casino Point’s Kelp Forest: Guided 2‑Hour Dive & Add‑On Second Tank at Catalina Divers Supply

Casino Point’s kelp forest off Avalon, Catalina Island, is a compact underwater world where giant kelp towers rise from rocky reefs and more than 800 species dart through the fronds. Located on the east shore of Avalon, California, the Casino Point Underwater Park is one of Southern California’s most accessible and biodiverse shore dives. Add On 2nd Tank with Catalina Divers Supply lets certified divers extend their bottom time with a guided, two‑hour exploration that moves beyond a single pass along the kelp canopy.

Drop into water cooled by currents and framed by Macrocystis kelp; you’ll pass Garibaldi, kelp bass, opaleye and the occasional leopard shark in sand channels. The park’s volcanic and sedimentary rock outcrops form ledges, swimthroughs and small pinnacles, giving the site three-dimensional structure that concentrates life and creates photogenic relief. An experienced divemaster from Catalina Divers Supply accompanies you, pointing out cryptic nudibranchs, the bright orange state fish and subtle behaviors that casual snorkelers miss.

This add‑on second tank is ideal for divers who want to linger in the kelp, visit both shallow and mid-depth reefs, or make a relaxed photographic second run. Gear can be rented from Catalina Divers Supply if you travel light; the operator recommends you bring a towel and swimsuit, and that you present proof of certification before entering the water. If it’s been more than two years since you dived, consider a refresher or the Reactivate three‑hour course to regain confidence.

Visibility varies seasonally; summer often brings clearer sightlines while winter can stir plankton, cooling the water and attracting different species. Because the park is a managed marine area, divers are asked to avoid touching flora and fauna, maintain good buoyancy to protect kelp holdfasts, and secure cameras and gauges. Shore access from Casino Point means short surface intervals and easy returns to the beach or the Catalina Divers Supply shop for quick refills between dives.

Whether you’re chasing macro life, shooting wide kelp canopy frames, or simply savoring extra bottom time in a compact, species‑rich marine park, the Add On 2nd Tank transforms a single Catalina dive into a deeper, more deliberate encounter with Southern California’s underwater coast. Meet at Catalina Divers Supply in Avalon where staff handle tanks and weights before a shore entry at Casino Point; the operator runs safety checks and fills cylinders to agency specs. The site’s mix of shallow kelp gardens and nearby deeper ledges makes it forgiving for photographers and teams—air management matters, so a second tank lets you choose a slow ascent with photo stops or a deeper pass. For visitors staying in Avalon, Casino Point’s short walk from the waterfront makes a late‑afternoon second dive an easy way to maximize island time.