5 Hours • Ages 10+
Turn routine dives into striking images on this PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course out of Catalina Divers Supply in Avalon. Learn camera basics, buoyancy-driven composition, and strobe placement across two guided dives.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; comfortable with repetitive kneeling and gear handling plus 2 open-water dives. Divers should be comfortable swimming and equalizing.
Wildlife
History
Santa Catalina Island is one of California’s Channel Islands with a long history of fishing, tourism, and early 20th-century development centered on Avalon Harbor.
Conservation
Kelp forest health fluctuates with water temperature and local management; practice buoyancy and avoid touching wildlife. Use reef-safe sunscreen and follow local guidelines to reduce impact.
5 Hours • Ages 10+
Confirm certification
You must have Open Water certification before taking this specialty; bring proof and complete any required e-learning beforehand.
Charge and spare power
Fully charge batteries and bring at least one spare battery and extra memory cards to avoid lost shots between dives.
Practice buoyancy first
Good neutral buoyancy is essential for sharp images and reef safety; practice in shallow water if you’re rusty.
Protect gear and images
Bring a drybag and a laptop or phone for image review and quick edits after dives.
Complete scuba gear (BCD, regulator, mask, fins)
Essential for the two guided dives and to ensure you’re familiar with your own kit.
Underwater camera with housing
Allows hands-on practice of composition, white balance, and strobe placement taught in the course.
Spare batteries and memory cards
Keeps you shooting through both dives and provides redundancy for image capture.
Wetsuit (3/2–5/4 depending on tolerance)
Keeps you comfortable across seasonal temperature shifts in Catalina’s coastal waters.