Extend Your Ocean Adventures with the Enriched Air Diver Specialty in Avalon, California
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with basic swimming skills to safely complete pool and open water components.
Overview
Unlock extended dive times and safer underwater exploration with the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course in Avalon, California. Discover how this nitrox training transforms your scuba experience on Santa Catalina Island.
Enriched Air Diver Specialty
1.5 hours • Ages 12+
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Become an Enriched Air Diver and unlock the secrets of scuba diving with nitrox! This popular specialty course offers more no decompression time, allowing you to dive longer and return to the water sooner. Learn essential skills, manage oxygen exposure, and analyze tank content in a practical, engaging environment.
About
The Enriched Air Diver course is the most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver. If you’re a Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course.
You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practical session, and two optional (or required) scuba dives, you’ll: • Discuss managing oxygen exposure. • Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank. • Set your dive computer for diving with enriched air nitrox.
Most modern scuba equipment and dive computers can be used with enriched air, but your Diving Catalina Instructor will let you know if your gear meets manufacturer recommendations and local requirements. However, scuba tanks must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for use with enriched air. You’ll practice using oxygen analyzers and special cylinder decals.
Duration
Please allow approximately 1.5 hours for this course.
ALL PARTICIPANTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST HAVE A SIGNED WAIVER FROM A LEGAL GUARDIAN.
Please Note
This course does not include a scuba dive nor a scuba dive with Nitrox.
Adventure Tips
Check Your Certification Level
Ensure you have a minimum Open Water certification before enrolling in the Enriched Air Diver course.
Stay Hydrated Before Diving
Hydration helps reduce the risk of decompression sickness, especially when using nitrox blends.
Review Your Dive Plan Carefully
Nitrox allows longer bottom times but requires careful planning to avoid oxygen toxicity at depth.
Bring Your Dive Log Book
Documenting your enrichment dives is crucial for future certifications and dive planning.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Garibaldi fish – Vibrant orange reef fish native to California
- California sea lions – Playful mammals often seen near the shore
History
Santa Catalina Island has been a diving destination since the early 20th century, with Avalon evolving as a key hub for aquatic recreation.
Conservation
Local operators emphasize reef protection and encourage responsible dive practices to preserve Catalina’s marine ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Avalon
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dive Computer with Nitrox Capability
Tracks your depth and time accurately while calculating no-decompression limits for nitrox mixes.
Enriched Air Analyzer
Critically important for verifying oxygen percentages in your tanks before every dive.
Mask and Snorkel
Basic gear essential for surface swimming and underwater visibility.
Fins
Provide efficient propulsion during your dives, conserving energy and enhancing control.