THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive into Catalina Island’s Casino Point Dive Park with expert guides and explore vibrant kelp forests and diverse marine life in California’s first nonprofit underwater park.
Dive into Catalina Island’s Casino Point Dive Park with expert guides and explore vibrant kelp forests and diverse marine life in California’s first nonprofit underwater park.
Book with Diving Catalina
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Diving Catalina · Avalon, California
Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty both above and below the water’s surface. Avalon, the island’s charming harbor town, serves as the gateway to one of the most captivating dive sites in the region: Casino Point Dive Park. Recognized as California’s first nonprofit underwater park, this protected marine haven invites divers to explore a sanctuary where kelp forests sway gently, rocky reefs rise dramatically, and sandy bottoms stretch beneath crystal-clear waters. The 1-Tank Guided Kelp Forest Dive is an ideal entry point for adventurers aged 12 and up, offering a two-hour immersive experience into this thriving underwater ecosystem.
Under the guidance of expert instructors, divers navigate through dense kelp canopies that support an abundance of marine life. The towering kelp creates a forest-like environment beneath the waves, where you’ll encounter colorful fish darting through crevices and sea stars clinging to rock formations. This dive spot is prized for its remarkably good visibility and a thriving community of species including Garibaldi fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional curious sea lion. The site’s protection as a nonprofit park has helped preserve its vibrant underwater landscapes, free from pollution, making every dive here feel like a serene escape into nature’s clearest depths.
What sets Casino Point apart is the perfect balance it strikes between accessibility and diversity. Located a short swim from the shore of Avalon, it’s equally welcoming to newcomers and seasoned divers seeking to experience Southern California's marine biodiversity with ease and safety. The water temperature varies seasonally but remains refreshingly comfortable, especially in summer months. The dive is meticulously guided, ensuring participants not only enjoy the sights but also learn about the local ecology, conservation efforts, and the significance of maintaining these underwater habitats.
Avalon’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with the island’s rugged terrain and clear waters, elevates this experience beyond a simple recreational dive. For anyone visiting Catalina Island and interested in outdoor adventure, this guided dive offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with the ocean in a setting that is as educational as it is breathtaking. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add an unforgettable dive to your logbook, the 1-Tank Guided Kelp Forest Dive at Casino Point provides an exceptional window into a laboratory of marine life right off the California coast.
moderate.
2 hours.
Good general fitness is recommended as diving requires controlled breathing and stamina.
Yes, participants need at least an Open Water Diver certification to join the 1-Tank Guided dive.
You can expect to see Garibaldi fish, sea stars, nudibranchs, and occasionally sea lions among the kelp forests.
Water temperatures range from about 58°F in winter to 68°F in summer, so a wetsuit is recommended.
Yes, this guided dive is beginner-friendly with instructor support throughout the experience.
The dive itself typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, within the two-hour total activity time.
Meet at Casino Point Dive Park in Avalon, the dive operator provides all briefing and gear onsite.
Casino Point Dive Park was established in 1973 as California’s first dive park and nonprofit underwater sanctuary.
The park is managed with strict rules to minimize impact on marine habitats and promote long-term ecosystem health.
Diving Catalina is a dive operator based on Catalina Island, California, offering guided scuba and snorkeling experiences around Casino Point Dive Park and nearby sites. The company provides a range of services for beginners, certified divers, and certification students, including equipment rentals, introductory dives, guided kelp forest and reef dives, night dives, and specialty excursions using diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) and power snorkel scooters. Instructors lead Introductory Scuba Dives and Casino Point Snorkel Tours, introducing guests to vibrant marine life, kelp forests, and the protected, pollution-free waters of California’s first nonprofit underwater park. Referral Dives and Open Water Classes allow divers to complete certification dives on Catalina Island with instruction from agency-affiliated professionals. An Enriched Air Diver specialty course is also offered for certified divers seeking extended bottom time. Diving Catalina supports returning divers through 1-Tank Refresher Dives to rebuild skills and confidence and provides 1-Tank DPV and 1-Tank Guided Kelp Forest Dives for more expansive underwater exploration. Night Dives showcase nocturnal species and teach night dive techniques, buoyancy, and navigation under instructor supervision. Power Snorkel EXTREME gives snorkelers motorized assistance to cover more distance safely and enjoyably. All trips emphasize safety, local site knowledge, and equipment access through scuba rentals and guided formats. Divers and snorkelers can expect professionally led outings in a scenic marine environment on Catalina Island, focused on education, wildlife observation, and memorable underwater experiences. Reservations, rental availability, and schedule information are provided directly by Diving Catalina through its booking channels on Catalina Island and staff.
Book with Diving Catalina